The UNESCO Call to Action: Closing the Gender Gap in Science is a powerful reminder of the need for multistakeholder collaborative actions to address gender disparities in science. Launched on the occasion of the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, this Call to Action highlights that gender disparities not only hinder the advancement of women but also impede scientific progress and societal development as a whole.
This engaging conversation will bring together Member States, accomplished and emerging scientists, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, UNESCO scientific networks and Chairs, as well as students. The purpose of this Dialogue is 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.
The first part of the Dialogue will focus on the groundbreaking research of the 2024 Laureates in the biological sciences, clinical, health, and environmental fields. They will also discuss how their work contributes to tackling critical issues we are facing. These laureates are shining examples of what can be achieved when individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to tackle complex problems. Their insights into science’s impact on our daily lives will provide valuable insights for all participants.
The second part of the Dialogue will involve the 2024 Laureates providing their insights and discussing how to advance this Call to Action. They will share their experiences with overcoming gender barriers in science and provide recommendations on how we can work towards creating a more inclusive scientific community. By learning from these experts, we can take concrete steps towards closing the gender gap in science once and for all.
Overall, this Dialogue promises to be an enlightening experience that brings together experts from different fields and backgrounds to discuss one of society’s most pressing issues: The role of science in our daily lives and its ability to address global challenges. It is an opportunity for us all to learn from each other’s experiences and work towards creating a more inclusive scientific community that benefits everyone equally.