GreenHer CoE was pleased to participate in the First UNESCO International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development Conference held from 14-17 July 2026 at UNESCO HQ in Paris, France, We are very grateful to UNESCO and Dr. Amal Kasry (Head of UNESCO Science Sector) for facilitating this important engagement and for fostering dialogue on the future of science, sustainability, and international cooperation.
A key highlight of the conference was the release of UNESCO’s First Global Report of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, which takes stock of the first two years of the Science Decade initiative. The report highlights both the remarkable progress of science worldwide and the persistent inequalities that continue to limit participation, access, and impact across different regions and communities.
The report underscores that building a stronger and more inclusive global science ecosystem requires action in five critical areas:
- Rethinking how research is measured and rewarded.
- Expanding equitable access to scientific infrastructures and open knowledge.
- Strengthening connections between scientists, policymakers, and society.
- Protecting scientific freedom, integrity, and public trust.
- Ensuring that emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, are governed responsibly.
These priorities resonate strongly with GreenHer’s mission to promote accessible, sustainable, and inclusive research infrastructures for Green Heritage Science.
During the conference, Dr. Abdelrazek Elnaggar held a series of strategic meetings with representatives of UNESCO’s Science Sector to explore future areas of collaboration. Discussions focused on the preparation of a Letter of Intent between UNESCO and GreenHer as a foundation for a future UNESCO-GreenHer Joint Access Call, aimed at widening access to scientific infrastructures and fostering international research cooperation in heritage, environmental, and sustainability sciences.
Further discussions addressed the potential inclusion of GreenHer within UNESCO’s mapping of scientific research infrastructures, contributing to greater visibility of GreenHer’s facilities, expertise, and services within the global scientific community. This aligns closely with UNESCO’s call for more equitable access to scientific infrastructure and knowledge, particularly in regions where research capacity remains limited.
GreenHer also met with colleagues from UNESCO’s Education Sector to discuss opportunities for future collaboration and the preparation of new initiatives in Green Heritage Science. The discussions focused on aligning GreenHer strategic priorities with UNESCO programmes and needs in education, science, sustainability, capacity building, and heritage preservation. This engagement will support the development of future projects designed to strengthen knowledge exchange, skills development, and international cooperation.
The conference provided an excellent platform to reinforce the shared commitment of UNESCO and GreenHer to advancing science for sustainable development, expanding access to research infrastructures, and ensuring that scientific knowledge and innovation benefit societies worldwide. GreenHer looks forward to continuing these discussions and translating them into concrete actions and partnerships in support of the goals of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.