Advancing Scientific Freedom and the Safety of Scientists
Advancing Scientific Freedom and the Safety of Scientists is a UNESCO hybrid thematic session organized in partnership with the International Science Council (ISC) as part of the 2026 Global Conference on the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). The event will bring together researchers, policymakers, and members of the international scientific community to discuss the importance of scientific freedom in achieving sustainable development.
The session will take place on Friday, 17 July 2026, from 15:55 to 17:10 CEST, at UNESCO Headquarters (Room IX) in Paris and will also be accessible online through Zoom, allowing participants from around the world to join the discussion.
The programme will focus on how scientific freedom and the safety of scientists contribute to the development of responsible, inclusive, and resilient science systems. Speakers will also examine practical approaches to strengthening research environments, safeguarding scientific integrity, and promoting international cooperation in science.
Organized jointly by UNESCO and the International Science Council (ISC), this thematic session forms part of the wider Global Conference dedicated to the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), highlighting the critical role of science in addressing global challenges and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Participants interested in joining the event online are encouraged to register through the official Zoom registration link provided by UNESCO. Additional details about the programme are available in the official event flyer attached to this announcement.
The Advancing Scientific Freedom and the Safety of Scientists session offers an important opportunity for researchers, academics, institutions, and policymakers to exchange ideas on strengthening scientific freedom, protecting researchers, and fostering inclusive science systems that contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
