Before the RIO-UNCED
Conference, the International Council for Science-ICSU convened the ASCEND 21 Conference
in Vienna to examine the role of science and sustainable development. This initiative on
behalf of the scientific community significantly facilitated the integration of science
within AGENDA 21—and especially the adoption of Chapter 35—Science and
Sustainable Development and Chapter 31—the Scientific and Technological Communities.
At the CSD-9 Session, the
International Scientific and Technological Community for the first time actively
participated in the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue led by the efforts of ICSU and the
IUCN—but with the very vital contribution of many others from the S&T Community,
especially the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) an the InterAcademy
Panel (IAP).
As a result of our experience
in the CSD-9 Dialogue on Energy and Transport, the S&T Community is committed to
following up the conclusions of the CSD-9 by undertaking an appropriate initiative by our
Community—in collaboration with other Major Groups, IGOs and Governments.
On behalf of the still
evolving S&T Community, we are pleased to accept the challenge to play a major role in
the RIO PLUS 10 review process. Even more importantly—we look forward to that review
process accelerating the implementation of AGENDA 21.
Our plans are not yet
finalised on how the S&T Community can best contribute to this review and commitment
process—but each of the organisations involved in the S&T delegation at CSD-9 are
now developing their own initiatives and we will soon be developing common initiatives to
ensure that science is effectively integrated in the WSSD preparatory process.
I would like to share with you
some of the initiatives that ICSU and the International S&T Community will be
undertaking:
the establishment of a Task
Force to review the implementation of Chapters 35 and 31 of AGENDA 21;
the development of special
science reviews of key issues, themes or chapters within AGENDA 21 such as energy, water,
oceans, climate, chemicals biodiversity, information for decision-making, etc. where
science has played an important role; they will review major accomplishments and lessons
learned, identify new challenges/opportunities related to S&T since RIO in 1992, and
make commitments to specific time bound measures to be taken in future by the S&T
Community and others;
an initiative to promote and
facilitate the participation of scientists in the national WSSD preparatory processes and
especially seek to ensure the participation of scientists within national delegations
attending the World Summit; and,
an initiative to collaborate
in the organisation of several of the Expert Roundtables proposed at the national,
regional and international level focused on S&T issues.
In conclusion I would like to
draw your attention to several issues of particular priority for the S&T Community at
the WSSD:
First: There is a need for
Research and Development (R&D) funds to be strengthened and targeted on international,
interdisciplinary research programmes and for the development and implementation of
stable, reliable global observing systems to increase our understanding of global and
local change related to sustainable development. For example, within the S&T Community
we are developing a new international initiative called "Sustainability Science"
that will highlight the needs and opportunities for S&T to play its full role in the
transition to sustainable development.
Second: Closely related to
R&D, there is a need to significantly strengthen scientific and technological capacity
in developing countries—and this requires much higher priority in future. In
addition, we need to improve how the significant EXISTING S&T capacity within
developing countries—is used in international science and policy forum. These issues
are major priorities for ICSU and the S&T Community.
Third: The S&T Community
believes that higher priority needs to be given by the international Community to ensuring
the full and open exchange of scientific data and information for research and education.
Attempts to restrict access to such data and information—or to impose additional
costs for access –are multiplying and this is particularly damaging for developing
countries.
Fourth: There is also growing
concern about the need to strengthen the ethics and responsibility of science and the
scientific community. The transition to sustainable development will require integrity and
objectivity in the practice of science and the S&T Community will be working to
enhancing its own activities in this area in future.
Fifth: The public understanding
of sustainable development issues remains weak and there is a need for enhanced education,
discussion and dialogue on these matters throughout society. The S&T Community
foresees itself playing a key role with others to help improve public awareness and
understanding of sustainable development issues.
ICSU and the International
Scientific and Technological Community look forward to participating in the WSSD
preparatory process—at all levels, and to developing its own commitments to be
announced at the WSSD on what the S&T Community can itself—in collaboration with
others— do to implement priority components of AGENDA 21 in future.