The United Nations General Assembly proclaims 2022 International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development

 

New York - 3 December It is official: the year 2022 will be the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development. So decided the United Nations General Assembly on 2 December 2021, when Member States unanimously approved a resolution originally proposed by Honduras and since supported by a range of countries that include Armenia, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Georgia, Guatemala, Jordan, Paraguay, South Africa and Viet Nam.

 

In endorsing the Year, the United Nations General Assembly stressed that 'the applications of basic sciences are vital for advances in medicine, industry, agriculture, water resources, energy planning, environment, communications and culture'. One of the most prominent examples of the ties between basic research and societal change is the transistor. When the first transistor radio came on the market in the early 1950s, it was the fruit of almost 50 years of basic research in public laboratories. The computer chip followed, the first integrated circuit. Since then, the miniaturization of integrated circuits has made it possible to manufacture ever-smaller mechanical, electronic and optical devices: today's smartphones use millions of miniscule transistors to perform complex processes. 

 

Having a capacity in basic sciences is in the interests of both developed and developing countries, given the potential for applications to raise standards of living and foster sustainable development. 

 

For example, a growing number of people around the world suffer from diabetes. Thanks to laboratory studies of the ways in which genes can be manipulated to make specific protein molecules, scientists are able to engineer genetically a common bacterium, Escherichia coli, to produce synthetic human insulin.  

 

In chemistry, basic research is laying the foundations for 'green' applications such as innocuous alternatives to toxic chemicals and solvents, more energy-efficient chemical processes, biodegradable chemicals and waste and so on. 

 

Graphene was isolated in 2004. It is ultra-light and much stronger than steel, yet extremely flexible. It offers countless potential applications in industry. For instance, graphene could be incorporated in rubber soles, to make shoes more durable. 

 

 'We need more basic science to achieveThe 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals', affirmed the United Nations General Assembly.  According to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics for 86 countries, the share of domestic research expenditure devoted to basic sciences varies widely from one country to another. Some countries devote less than 10% of their research expenditure to basic sciences, others more than 30%.

 

With this resolution, the United Nations General Assembly invites all its Member States, United Nations agencies and other global, regional and subregional organizations, as well as other relevant stakeholders such as academia, civil society and the private sector, 'to observe and raise awareness of the importance of basic sciences for sustainable development, in accordance with national priorities'.

 

The endorsement by the United Nations General Assembly follows on the heels of the recommendation (resolution 40/C 76) by the 193 Member States attending UNESCO's General Conference in Paris in November 2021 that 2022 be proclaimed International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development. 

 

The adoption of the Year is the culmination of a four-year campaign led by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics which also implicated the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and 25 other international scientific unions and research organizations around the world, under the auspices of UNESCO. 

 

As lead United Nations agency for Year, UNESCO will be organizing the kick-off conference for the Year on 30 June - 1 July 2022. Following the launch, UNESCO and its partners will organize a series of events and activities around the world until 30 June 2023 to showcase the links between basic sciences and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These partners include over 90 national and international science academies, learned societies, scientific networks, research centres and universities. 

                                                       

Media contacts:

Amal Kasry, Chief of Section for Capacity Building in Basic Science and Engineering, UNESCO: a.kasry@unesco.org

Clare O'Hagan, Head of Press service, UNESCO: c.o-hagan@unesco.org

Michel Spiro, president of the Steering Committee for the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development: michel.spiro@iybssd2022.org

Luc Allemand, secretary general of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development: luc.allemand@iybssd2022.org

 

More at https://www.iybssd2022.org

 

Partners

UNESCO is the lead United Nations agency for the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development. It is co-ordinating the Year in collaboration with a consortium of international scientific unions and research organizations led by:

 

International Union of Pure an Applied Physics,

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), 

UNESCO's Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy

Chinese Academy of Sciences, 

European Gravity Observatory, 

European Physical Society, 

Fonds de recherche du Québec, Canada

Institut de recherche pour le développement, France

International Astronomical Union, 

Industrial Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, 

International geographical Union, 

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, 

International Mathematical Union, 

International Mineralogical Association, 

International Science Council, 

International Union for Vacuum Science, Technique and Application, 

International Union of Biological Sciences, 

International Union of Crystallography, 

International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics,

International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, 

International Union of Material Research Societies, 

International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 

Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Italy,

Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Russian Federation,

Nuclear Physics European Collaboration Committee, Rencontres du Vietnam, 

Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research, 

Square Kilometer Array Observatory, South Africa

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CSIR-NIScPR announces Vacancies in OLP Projects

Walk-in-Interview for Senior Project Associate: 04; Project Associate I: 22; Project Associate II : 04 & Project Assistant: 04

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), a multidisciplinary national research laboratory invites applications from bright, dynamic, and qualified Indian nationals for OLP projects.

• Date of Walk-in-Interview: 09/12/2021,
• Reporting Time: From 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Vol. 1, No. 3: The Rights Issue 📜

Expert voices, policy and advocacy priorities, WLIC 2022 updates, new committees and members, professional development, events, and more!

Dec 2021 — Vol. 1, No. 3 View in your browser → The Rights Issue At the heart of IFLA's values is the idea that everyone should enjoy freedom of access to information, and so to high quality library and information services. Yet upholding rights is not always easy or simple. This month's IFLA newsletter highlights different angles of our work in this area. Happy reading! Gerald Leitner IFLA Secretary General Read more → IN CONVERSATION WITH… Ellen Tise, Chair, FAIFE With this edition of IFLA's newsletter focusing on rights, this month's interview brings together IFLA Secretary General with Ellen Tise, IFLA President 2009-2011, and currently chair of IFLA's Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE). He asked her about her perspective on how libraries fit in with wider work on human rights. Gerald Leitner (GL): How do you see a focus on human rights as supporting the work of libraries at all levels? Ellen Tise (ET): A focus on human rights is inextricably linked to the work of libraries at all levels. Libraries directly advance the cause of human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19. The library profession has a rich history of alignment with human rights issues, movements, and declarations. Traditionally, the role of libraries have been recognised in the promotion of human rights, through their efforts in making information accessible to anyone, regardless of age, education, ethnicity, language, income, etc. This role of libraries in the promotion of human rights comes out from their very core mission, namely to ensure access to information for all. Read more → Ellen Tise Chair, FAIFE IN THE FIELD Bringing the field together, globally: IFLA leadership engages with Members IFLA's President and Secretary General took part in the second series of Leaders' Conversations organised by the National Library Board, Singapore, host of IFLA's Regional Office for Asia-Oceania, exploring the possibilities and opportunities open to public and national libraries. The IFLA President Barbara Lison also spoke at the Russian Library for Foreign Literature about the trends shaping the future of the field, at the National Assembly Library of the Republic of Korea's Metaverse Book Festival, at the Indian Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science and the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Calcutta, Kolkata conference about IFLA's work to support library education, the Online Forum on the Development of Librarianship, and about IFLA and the SDGs in Wismar, Germany. She also gave a keynote intervention at the event organised at Qatar National Library, host of an IFLA Preservation and Conservation Centre, about the fight against trafficking. IFLA's President-elect Tonia Arahova participated in an EU and Southeastern Europe conference, talking about IFLA and the SDGs, a study day of the National Coordination for Architecture Libraries in Italy, and the conference on Political Leadership in Parliamentary Democracy in Vilnius, Lithuania. POLICY AND ADVOCACY Libraries stand for human rights: looking forward to Human Rights Day 2021 10 December each year marks Human Rights Day. It is an opportunity both to reaffirm the commitment of libraries to delivering human rights, not least that of freedom of access to information and freedom of expression, as well as work, education, science and culture, but also think about how we can achieve them most effectively. Ahead of this, we look back at IFLA's engagement in highlighting the role of libraries in delivering rights in Africa and Europe, as well as submissions to the UN Human Rights Council on disinformation and the right to development. Read more → Bringing the voice of libraries to COP26 The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) has come to an end. IFLA was there to ensure that a library perspective was included in the programme both for governments and other delegates, and to amplify the work that libraries are doing to empower their communities to take climate action. Read more → A stronger voice for libraries in the regions, a stronger voice for regions in IFLA A key innovation in IFLA's Governance Reform was the creation of our new Regional Division Committees and Council, supporting outreach and advocacy, and ensuring a strong voice for the regions in the Federation as a whole. The new Committees are already hard at work, developing action plans adapted to the needs of each region. Read more → The UNESCO General Conference: recognising libraries as partners in culture, education, and access to information UNESCO's 41st General Conference brought together governments, NGOs and others to determine the policies and the main lines of work of the Organisation. IFLA was there to make the case for working with libraries. Find out more about what was agreed, and next steps. Read more → A Right to be Connected – looking ahead to the IGF The UN Secretary-General's "Our Common Agenda" reiterated the urgency of closing digital divides and addressing inequalities. The upcoming 2021 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Katowice, Poland, and online, offers libraries an opportunity to demonstrate how they can help achieve these ambitious goals. Find out more about what is planned, and how you can engage! Read more → PROFESSIONAL + DEVELOPMENT IFLA/UNESCO Multicultural Library Manifesto Toolkit now in French Communities have expectations that libraries will reflect, support and promote cultural and linguistic diversity. Building on the original IFLA/UNESCO Multicultural Library Manifesto, the Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section of IFLA developed a toolkit to provide practical approaches to applying the concepts in the Manifesto. The toolkit includes 'guidance on' how to conduct a community analysis and needs assessment, deliver a workshop, and define suitable policies related to multicultural populations. The French version of the toolkit is a welcome addition to the resources IFLA is providing for the global library field. Read more → VACANCIES Knowledge Rights 21 – Brussels Representative. Do you, or does someone you know, have the ability to build connections and influence law-making in Brussels in favour of 21st century access to education, research and culture? We are hiring a Brussels representative for the Knowledge Rights programme, deadline 15 December. Read more → MEET IN DUBLIN AT IFLA WLIC 2022 You're invited! After three years without the opportunity to meet in person, IFLA's World Library and Information Congress 2022 will be held as a physical conference in Dublin, Ireland from 26-29 July 2022. It will be an opportunity to reunite with colleagues in the international library field after a long break and to share, learn and innovate. Together, we'll be focusing on the conference theme: Inspire, Engage, Enable and Connect. Colleagues in the Irish National Committee are looking forward to presenting to you the best of Irish libraries and the literary city of Dublin. We know you'll be keen to know more about the programme, registrations, and travel. All this and more will be published as it becomes available on the IFLA WLIC 2022 conference website. Should you be interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor at IFLA WLIC 2022, contact wlic2022-sponsorship@kit-group.org. Stay tuned for more information! We'll be using this newsletter to keep you informed of developments and key dates. IFLA MEMBERSHIP There's a bonus for organisations and individuals joining IFLA now as we are near the end of the year: pay at 2021 rates and your membership will cover all of 2022. If you are excited about coming to IFLA WLIC 2022 in Dublin, joining now means a discount on your membership and the benefit of member registration rates at the Congress. Read more → NEW MEMBERS IFLA warmly welcomes the following libraries as members of IFLA: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) - India Universitas Gadjah Mada - Indonesia Vanderbilt University Libraries - USA We look forward to their engagement and involvement. See who else is part of our global family. Why don't you become an IFLA member today? UPCOMING EVENTS IFLA Professional Unit Virtual Events are an opportunity to engage with a global audience, sharing relevant research and practice through workshops, presentations and discussions. December 6, 2021 New Directions in AI: Formation of an IFLA Special Interest Group on Artificial Intelligence Hosted by: IT Section December 8, 2021 Lessons from the Library Advocacy Priorities Survey 8:00 UTC and 13:00 UTC Hosted by: IFLA HQ December 14, 2021 Literacy and Representation: Teaching Media and Visual Literacies Across Communities Hosted by: Audiovisual and Multimedia Section December 15, 2021 The Carpentries and Author Carpentry Hosted by: Science and Technology Libraries Section To the events calendar → LIBRARY MAP OF THE WORLD Libraries themselves have rights, as well as responsibilities! Often, these are set out in library policies and laws. The Library Map of the World provides information about different library policies and laws from many countries. Check out country profiles to find information about national policy documents for libraries such as strategies, development plans and guidelines, library laws, legal deposit laws, and exceptions for libraries in copyright laws with links to full text documents, where available. Read more → SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT Each month, we will be sharing inspiring social media posts and accounts that showcase the ingenuity and diversity of the global library field! For your chance to get featured here, add the #WeAreIFLA hashtag to your posts. #WeAreIFLA Update your preferences / Unsubscribe P.O. Box 95312 2509 CH The Hague, Netherlands

[apeid.higher_education.bgk] ED INVITATION - Futures of higher education and the digital age (7 December 2021)

FYI – Upcoming event: Futures of higher education and the digital age - Higher education conversation series Tuesday, 7 December from 13:00 – 14:00 (Paris/CET) on Zoom

 

 

Dear colleagues,

It is our pleasure to invite you to the second in the series of UNESCO’s Higher Education Conversations, focusing on the Futures of Higher Education.

This conversation will be held on Tuesday, 7 December from 13:00 – 14:00 (CET) on Zoom. It aims to bring together policy makers and higher education stakeholders to discuss how higher education must transform itself, as it faces one of the greatest periods of uncertainty in its long history, including the digital aspect.

·      Read the concept note and provisional programme

·      Register

·      More on the event

·      Upcoming conversations on higher education

Best regards,

UNESCO Higher Education Section

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Chers collègues,

Nous avons le plaisir de vous inviter à la deuxième édition de la série de Discussions sur l'enseignement supérieur portée par l'UNESCO, axée sur les futurs de l’enseignement supérieur.

Cette discussion aura lieu le mardi, 10 décembre de 13h00 à 14h00 (CET) en ligne sur l’application Zoom. Elle vise à réunir les décideurs politiques et les parties prenantes de l'enseignement supérieur pour discuter de la manière dont l'enseignement supérieur doit se transformer, alors qu'il est confronté à l'une des plus grandes périodes d'incertitude de son histoire, notamment en ce qui concerne l'aspect numérique.

·      Note conceptuel et programme provisoire

·      Inscription

·       En savoir plus sur l’événement

·       Prochaines discussions sur l’enseignement supérieur

Meilleures salutations,

Section de l'enseignement supérieur de l'UNESCO