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Discussions focused on trust in science, Open Science, and science diplomacy, highlighting science’s role in connecting communities, guiding evidence-based decisions, and advancing sustainability. The newly launched International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD) led by UNESCO was also recognized as a key tool to strengthen scientific cooperation.

At the session “Advancing science diplomacy through the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD)” participants recognized the Decade as a key driver for enhancing scientific cooperation and integrating diplomacy into sciences.

Led by UNESCO and launched on 2 December 2024, the IDSSD is a global and coordinated initiative designed to harness the power of all of the sciences – basic, applied, social and human – to advance sustainable change to our societies, economies and environment.

“Now is a call for partnership, to work together for the betterment of humanity,” said Peggy Oti-Boateng, Executive Director of the African Academy of Sciences.

Discussions stressed the role of initiatives like the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in shaping science diplomacy, while showcasing how science can foster international cooperation, promote peace, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We must not only trust science but have faith in it to build peace and develop applications for humanity,” said Tamara Elzein, Secretary General of Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research, stressing the importance of education in countering misinformation at the session Building Trust in Science: The Role of Open Science and Science Literacy.

While trust in science remains steady in many parts of the world, recent global events underscored the fragility of public confidence and the importance of sustained efforts to maintain it.

Dr. Sudip Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), observed, “Trust is gained in teaspoons and lost in buckets,” emphasizing the fragility of public confidence.

Experts at this session discussed how to foster trust amid misinformation and ensure science remains relevant, reliable, and accessible to communities.

Ana María Cetto, Chair of UNESCO’s Open Science Steering Committee, explained that open access can build trust by encouraging broader participation in scientific processes. Building on this, transparency can bridge divides and tackle global inequalities, promoting a more inclusive scientific ecosystem.

Open Science emerged as a central theme at the forum, promoting transparency, inclusivity, and equitable access to knowledge. By making research openly available, it strengthens accountability and fosters a culture of shared responsibility.

“This year’s AI is eight times more powerful than last year’s,” noted Thomas Hartung from Johns Hopkins University, highlighting the urgency of developing ethical frameworks for rapidly evolving innovations.

Speakers also explored the governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Ensuring these advancements are used responsibly requires global cooperation and transparent systems that inspire confidence.

The Forum concluded with participants reflecting on the shared responsibility to integrate trust, openness, and diplomacy into the fabric of scientific endeavors. Lidia Brito, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, declared, “Science is our shared responsibility. We must make science accessible for all through Open Science.”

The final declaration called for inclusive policies and stronger science-policy interfaces to navigate an era of global change. These commitments serve as a foundation for ongoing collaboration, ensuring that science continues to inform decisions and empower communities.

The next World Science Forum will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2026, under the theme ‘’Science for global resilience and equity.’’