At the meeting, Ban again emphasised the importance of science in implementing the ambitious new global Agenda for Sustainable Development. Political decisionmaking, he said, must be based on the best-available knowledge. He added that further and better research and more cooperation across subjects and national borders are necessary, and that the needs of developing countries also deserve more attention.
“The success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development depends crucially on science, technology and innovation,” said Prof. Hacker. “We need completely new ideas and approaches to achieve the goals. Basic research plays an important role in this. But we also need new knowledge in order to adapt existing ideas and technologies to the challenges facing newly industrialised and developing countries. In addition, progress in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda can only be made through science-based monitoring.”
The Advisory Board re-stated that science should be regarded a global public good. With regard to the long-term risks associated with climate change, the Board emphasises that global society has limited adaptability. Yet climate conditions could make some areas of the planet uninhabitable by the end of the century. For this reason, the net output of greenhouse gas emissions must be drastically reduced.
Ban Ki-moon appointed the Scientific Advisory Board for the period 2014 to 2016. This interdisciplinary body made up of 26 scientists from around the world advises the UN Secretary-General and the heads of all UN organisations on overarching issues relating to science. The Board also addresses the issue of how science and research can be of greater benefit to society. In addition, it aims to encourage more effective dialogue between scientific research on the one hand and practical and traditional knowledge on the other, in a bid to develop suitable solutions with practical applications. UNESCO supplies the secretariat for the Scientific Advisory Board.