UNESCO - Cîencias Naturais -Recomendação sobre ciência e pesquisadores científicos
Ref.: CL/4253
Subject: Certified copy of the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers
Sir/Madam,
The Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers was adopted by UNESCO’s General Conference during its 39th session, which took place from 30 October to 14 November 2017. This Recommendation supersedes the 1974 Recommendation on the Status of Scientific Researchers, thereby becoming an up-to-date normative instrument treating a range of issues in the science policy area. I am pleased to enclose herewith, a certified copy of said recommendation. The Recommendation’s guidance is timely, just as Member States’ implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development gets under way. Science and the dissemination of scientific knowledge are essential for the achievement of most of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Recommendation stresses that all Member States should place special emphasis on strengthening their scientific communities, in order to ensure responsible and high-quality research and development, while addressing brain drain. Compared to the 1974 text, the new text is more explicit in addressing human rights and ethical principles and stresses the importance of promoting gender equality in scientific training and careers. Kindly note that, in accordance with Article IV of the UNESCO Constitution, each Member State is required to submit this Recommendation to its competent authorities within a period of one year from the close of the session of the General Conference at which it was adopted. To Ministers responsible for relations with UNESCO CL/4253 – page 2Because this Recommendation also concerns the private sector, higher educationemployers and funders of scientists, I would ask that you communicate theRecommendation.As requested by the General Conference, the measures taken by Member States forthe implementation of the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researcherswill be reported at the Conference’s 41st session, in November 2021.UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments are available on the following website, for your reference:
Please accept, Sir/Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration.Audrey AzoulayDirector-General