UNESCO is currently operalizing the UN Secretary-General’s advisory board, which is to provide advice on science, technology and innovation (STI) for sustainable development to the UN Secretary-General and to executive heads of UN agencies.

The Future Earth is a new 10-year international research initiative that will develop the knowledge for responding effectively to the risks and opportunities of global environmental change and for supporting transformation towards global sustainability. Future Earth will mobilize thousands of scientists while strengthening partnerships with policy-makers and other stakeholders to provide sustainability options and solutions. UNESCO is actively involved in Future Earth through the Science and Technology Alliance for Global Sustainability which is responsible to promote and support its development. http://www.icsu.org/future-earth

UNESCO organized a Sub-regional meeting on “Environmental policy formulation and planning in the Caribbean region”, Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis, 15-16 May, 2013 in collaboration with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Government officials, CARICOM and OECS representatives, and selected regional experts assessed the regional capacity for effectively utilizing social data and analysis in the formulation and planning of sustainability policies in the Caribbean. A ministerial round table organized during the event provided the opportunity to map out options for action at national, regional and international level.

UNESCO supported the application of the social sciences to sustainability policies in Caribbean countries through the preparation of three studies.

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In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 48 - We recognize the important contribution of the scientific and technological community to sustainable development. We are committed to working with and fostering collaboration among the academic, scientific and technological community, in particular in developing countries, to close the technological gap between developing and developed countries and strengthen the science-policy interface as well as to foster international research collaboration on sustainable development.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 76 - We recognize that effective governance at the local, subnational, national, regional and global levels representing the voices and interests of all is critical for advancing sustainable development. The strengthening and reform of the institutional framework should not be an end in itself, but a means to achieve sustainable development. We recognize that an improved and more effective institutional framework for sustainable development at the international level should be consistent with the Rio Principles, build on Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and its objectives on the institutional framework for sustainable development, contribute to the implementation of our commitments in the outcomes of United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social, environmental and related fields and take into account national priorities and the development strategies and priorities of developing countries.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 84 - Establish a universal intergovernmental high level political forum (HLPF), building on the strengths, experiences, resources and inclusive participation modalities of the Commission on Sustainable Development, and subsequently replacing the Commission.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 276 - We recognize the need to facilitate informed policy decision-making on sustainable development issues and, in this regard, to strengthen the science-policy interface.