Supporting the UN Secretary-General Scientific Advisory Board

Background

As part of the Scientific Advisory Board’s global network of scientific institutions, the International Science Council contributes to the Board’s work by offering insights, identifying expertise from its networks and sharing relevant scientific resources. The scientific network also engages members of the ISC such the Global Young Academy, the World Academy of Sciences, the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World and the International Network for Governmental Science Advice. 

The ISC provides input to the SAB through both formal and informal channels. It has shared key ISC publications and facilitated horizon scanning exercises to help identify emerging future trends. Additionally, the ISC is supporting collaboration between the SAB and the UN Group of Friends on Science for Action, for which it serves as a Secretariat alongside UNESCO. Through these efforts, the ISC contributes to strengthening the link between science and policy at the UN level.

Activities and impact

September 2024: The first retreat of the Board and Network marked a critical step in strengthening collaboration between science bodies and the UN to ensure that scientific evidence can be directly translated into policy action.

September 2024: Scientific Advisory Board issues a statement on trust in science and convenes events including on the role of young scientists with the Group of Friends on Science for Action and the Global Young Academy.

October 2024 to March 2025: the Board holds a series of expert dialogues on 5 priority themes for which the ISC recommended experts from its networks: Deep-sea environment including impacts of deep-sea mining (DSM); Solar radiation modification (SRM); Biological research on aging; Decarbonization; and Artificial intelligence verification.

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