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Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Keywords

UN, science decade, sustainable development, open science, science and technology financing

Abstract

The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD, 2024–2033) was officially launched by the United Nations in 2024, with the aim of strengthening and demonstrating the central role of science in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study systematically reviews the development of IDSSD, its governance structure, mechanisms for project solicitation and endorsement, as well as the thematic and regional distribution of endorsed initiatives. On this basis, it assesses China’s current participation and potential opportunities. During the first call for initiatives, IDSSD received 221 proposals from 52 countries, with 109 projects endorsed as of June 2025. The second call (June-July 2025) attracted 244 proposals involving nearly 70 countries. China has played an important role in the early stages of the initiative and possesses strong potential to lead in areas such as digital technology, climate change, ecosystem restoration, ocean observation, disaster risk reduction, and science-education collaboration. In alignment with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, it is recommended to establish a national mechanism for advancing IDSSD, strengthen open science and international cooperation, and promote deep integration among industry, academia, and research to achieve full-chain innovation. By initiating and participating in international scientific programmes and improving science and technology financing and supporting systems, China can continuously enhance the guiding role of science and technology in promoting sustainable economic and social development.

First page

499

Last Page

508

Language

Chinese

Publisher

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences

References

1. United Nations. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special edition. New York: United Nations, 2023.

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7. United Nations. International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, 2024-2033: Resolution /Adopted by the General Assembly. New York: United Nations, 2023.

8. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Strategic Plan for the Implementation of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033): Fostering science for all. Paris: UNESCO, 2024.

9. International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). Join the Decade. [2025-11-11]. https://www.un-sciences-decade.org/en/join.

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