Basic Science for Sustainable Development

The United Nations' General Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming 2022 as the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD2022).

ICTP, with its more than 50-year record of building sustainable science across the developing world, welcomes the resolution and will be actively involved as a founding partner of the initiative. The IYBSSD2022 places a much needed spotlight on the important role of science in nations' socio-economic development. Science is a powerful driving force in the success of any nation, contributing to its economic well-being and the individual fulfilment of its people. Many countries, however, do not have the infrastructure or educational provision to support the growth of science and technology and to keep pace with the developed world. Basic sciences help to identify mechanisms to adequately use knowledge and transfer technology.

"ICTP is proud to be one of the founding partners of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development," said ICTP's Director Atish Dabholkar. "ICTP's mission is perfectly in line with the goals of this initiative, which are also inspired by the UN's Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We believe that basic research is fundamental not only for technological advancement, but also for global sustainable development. ICTP is looking forward to celebrate basic sciences next year with exciting events and activities."

The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development will focus on the links between basic sciences and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Its main objectives are to enhance inclusive participation in science regardless of geography or gender; strengthen education and scientific training; encourage increased funding of basic sciences; and promote the concept of open science.

In addition to ICTP, more than 90 national and international science academies, learned societies, scientific networks, research and education centers are also supporting the IYBSSD2022, including the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), which recently moved its secretariat to Trieste. They will organize events and activities all over the planet during this special year, to showcase and improve the links between basic sciences and the 17 SDGs.

In declaring the IYBSSD2022, the United Nations General Assembly cited ‘the high value for humankind of basic sciences’, and noted that ‘enhanced global awareness of, and increased education in, the basic sciences is vital to attain sustainable development and to improve the quality of life for people all over the world’. For example, the successes and difficulties of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic have a stark reminder of this importance of basic sciences, such as (but not limited to) biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and anthropology.

The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development will be officially inaugurated with an opening conference from 30 June to 1 July 2022 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Events and activities will be organized around the world until 30 June 2023.