Preface

The publication of this, the second World Science Report, coincides with a period in which we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of UNESCO. It is a Lime for reflection and for taking stock - and for a re-affirmation of the Organization's mission in establishing peace through international cooperation in education, science and culture. We must pay tribute to the foresight of UNESCO's founders in deciding that science was indeed to have an important place in the programme of the Organization in the attainment of its goals of building peace, endogenous capacities and democracy UNESCO's first Director-General, Julian Huxley, recognized the potential of science and technology for development in his first publication on the Organization in 1946. 'The application of scientific knowledge', he wrote, 'provides our chief means for raising the level of human welfare.' Whilst concepts like 'progress' and 'development' have succeeded one another in the decades that have followed, the Organization has not wavered in its belief in science as a major force in the development process.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Decent Work and Economic Growth