FRANCE: ISTIC Participates in the 2026 Global Conference on the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development
The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) participated in the 2026 Global Conference on the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD), held from 15 to 17 July 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
Organized by UNESCO under the theme “Science in Action: Charting a Sustainable and Equitable Future for All,” the conference highlighted the importance of transdisciplinary research, open science, and stronger science–policy–society interfaces in addressing global challenges and shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future beyond 2030.
It brought together representatives from governments, academia, industry, civil society, international organizations and Indigenous knowledge communities to review progress, showcase science-based solutions, and strengthen partnerships that support sustainable development.
As part of the thematic session “Fostering South-South Scientific Collaborations within the Science Decade,” ISTIC Director Sharizad Dahlan was invited to contribute to the discussion on the role of South-South scientific cooperation in advancing the objectives of the IDSSD.
During her intervention, she presented the AFRASIA Project as an example of South-South scientific collaboration that supports not only participation in international research initiatives, but also contributes to agenda-setting, equitable access to funding, shared scientific infrastructure, and evidence-informed policymaking. Her presentation highlighted the importance of strengthening collaborative networks across the Global South to enhance scientific capacity and address shared development priorities. She also emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability of both partnerships and projects to achieve long-term impact and lasting benefits.
The interactive dialogue provided a platform for scientific leaders from the Global South to contribute to the implementation priorities of the IDSSD for the 2026–2029 period and to help inform the post-2030 sustainable development agenda. Discussions focused on identifying regional and interregional priorities for South-South scientific collaboration, examining the benefits of aligning regional and global agendas under the IDSSD framework, and formulating recommendations to ensure that future international science policies respond to the research priorities and needs of countries in the Global South.
