The Scientific Future Cannot Belong to the Few
The scientific revolution for sustainable development has begun, but its benefits must reach everyone, everywhere.
During the first two years of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD 2024–2033), proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, 396 initiatives — 209 endorsed and 187 under review — across 79 countries mobilized scientific collaboration in support of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Yet significant challenges remain. A persistent “science divide” continues to separate those at the frontier of innovation from those at risk of being left behind. Inequalities in infrastructure, skills and access to scientific opportunities limit participation and impact. Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, represents 17.5% of the global population but accounts for less than 1% of the world’s researchers.
Addressing these gaps requires rethinking how science is organized, financed and connected to decision-making. The first two years of the Decade demonstrate that a distributed, science-led approach can mobilize global action, strengthen partnerships and build a more inclusive and sustainable scientific future.
