Closing the Gender Gap in Science: A UNESCO Call to Action for Global Development and Equality

The UNESCO Call to Action: Closing the Gender Gap in Science, launched on the occasion of the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, emphasizes the urgent need for multistakeholder collaborative actions at all levels. This is because gender disparities in science not only hinder women’s advancement but also impede scientific progress and societal development as a whole. The Dialogue will bring together Member States, accomplished and emerging scientists, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, UNESCO scientific networks, Chairs, and students to explore two key questions related to the importance of science in our daily lives and its role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, diseases, and extreme poverty.

Science plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges that shape our daily lives. From artificial intelligence in our phones to agricultural innovations that shape our breakfast choices, science influences every aspect of our daily lives. The first part of the Dialogue will focus on the groundbreaking research of the 2024 Laureates in biological sciences, clinical health, environmental fields. They will discuss how their work contributes to tackling critical issues we are facing today.

The second part of the Dialogue will involve the 2024 Laureates sharing their insights into how to advance this Call to Action. As leaders in their respective fields, they will provide valuable perspectives on how we can create a more inclusive environment for women and girls in science and promote diversity and inclusion within scientific communities worldwide. Their contributions will inspire us all to take action towards closing this gap once and for all.

This engaging conversation promises to be an informative session that explores two critical questions related to science’s importance in our daily lives and its role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, diseases, and extreme poverty. With participants from various backgrounds like Member States representatives, scientists from different fields like biology or health sciences; stakeholders from public or private sectors; UNESCO scientific networks chairs; students from different parts of the world – it’s sure going to be an exciting dialogue!