Fourth Call for Initiatives: International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development

UNESCO invites the global scientific community and partners across sectors to submit initiatives that turn scientific knowledge into practical action for sustainable development. The fourth global call forms part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). Proposals should address a defined challenge and demonstrate a credible pathway to implementation, adoption, or measurable impact. The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development mobilises scientific expertise to address pressing sustainable development challenges through science, technology, and innovation. The Decade promotes collaboration across regions, disciplines, and sectors. Its broader purpose is to support inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable development. This fourth call seeks initiatives that produce, translate, or apply scientific knowledge. Proposals should explain how that knowledge will inform decisions, support implementation, enable adaptation, or generate measurable benefits. Initiatives may connect science with action through: These are possible pathways rather than a complete list of mandatory activities. Applicants should explain which approach fits their challenge and intended users. The call identifies four indicative thematic areas: Priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate a clear science-to-action pathway and contribute to one or more of the Decade’s expected outcomes. The supplied information does not list those outcomes in full. Applicants should consult the official call materials when explaining alignment. The call is open to the global scientific community and partners across sectors. It welcomes initiatives involving diverse fields, including: Where relevant, initiatives should also engage Indigenous and local knowledge systems. The supplied information does not specify eligible legal forms, lead-applicant requirements, minimum partnership size, or restrictions on individual submissions. A science-to-action pathway explains how scientific work leads to a practical result.

A proposal should connect:

Actionable knowledge is information that intended users can apply in a defined context. For example, a decision-support tool should have an identified user and a clear role in an actual decision process. The call also encourages credible plans for testing, adoption, replication, or scaling. Proposals are encouraged to involve end users and knowledge holders from the design stage. This means explaining how the people expected to use or contribute knowledge will help shape the initiative. Applicants should also address equity and gender considerations in ways relevant to their work. Where Indigenous or local knowledge is involved, the proposal should describe its role in the initiative and the participation of the relevant knowledge holders. The supplied announcement does not specify a financial award or grant amount. It also does not describe eligible costs, cofinancing, project duration, or financial support for selected initiatives. Applicants should verify the nature of participation and any associated support in the official call documents. Scientific knowledge has greater practical value when it reaches people who can use it. This call emphasises the connection between research, policy, implementation, and community action. Its interdisciplinary approach also recognises that sustainable development challenges often require different forms of expertise. Early involvement of users and knowledge holders can help initiatives respond to real needs and establish realistic routes to adoption. No direct submission link or closing date is included in the supplied information.

1. What is UNESCO seeking through this call?

UNESCO seeks initiatives that generate, translate, or apply actionable scientific knowledge to address defined sustainable development challenges.

2. Which programme does the call belong to?

It is the fourth global call under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, 2024–2033.

3. Who can participate?

The global scientific community and partners across sectors are invited, subject to the detailed official conditions.

4. Which scientific disciplines are relevant?

The call welcomes natural, health, social, human, and applied sciences, alongside Indigenous and local knowledge where relevant.

5. What makes a proposal a priority?

Priority is given to initiatives with a clear science-to-action pathway that contribute to one or more of the Decade’s expected outcomes.

6. Does the call provide grant funding?

The supplied information does not confirm a financial award. Applicants should check the official participation and support conditions.

7. What is the submission deadline?

15 November 2026 UNESCO’s fourth global call encourages initiatives that connect scientific knowledge with practical sustainable development outcomes. Strong proposals should identify a clear challenge, involve relevant users and knowledge holders, and demonstrate a credible route from science to action.