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The Scientific and Technological Community Major Group at the United Nations seeks to secure a mandate for science at the UN and integrate science in major global policy processes, such as the implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Scientific and Technological Community Major Group (STC MG) is co-organized by the International Science Council and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO). It provides governments, policy makers and society the understanding of the limitations and parameters imposed by the laws of Nature and indicates what is scientifically and technologically achievable based on what we know now and on what we can do with the knowledge and technological tools we have in hand – including those being developed with potential success.

Progress in all topical areas of the sustainable development debate requires substantial innovative advances in science and technology and a thorough analysis of the feasibility of proposed solutions. By exchanging and applying scientific knowledge, the creativity and practice of engineering and technology, the STC Major Group is able to introduce feasible sustainable solutions in most areas of activity that contribute to increasing quality of life.

How does the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group operate?

• Soliciting and gathering input from subject matter experts and regional groups, as well as individual partner organizations and international research programmes, to ensure that all relevant scientific knowledge is made available to support policy formulation and implementation;
• Providing scientific input through position papers, policy briefs, written and oral contributions;
• Liaising with the UN Secretariat and responding to UN calls for experts on topics related to sustainable development;
• Facilitating the participation of scientists – in accordance with UN rules in terms of attendance – and providing them with speaking opportunities (e.g. delivering statements on behalf of the STC MG and/or speaking at side events, roundtables etc.) at the HLPF;
• Organizing side events, roundtables and workshops jointly with the scientific community;
• Sharing relevant information on UN sustainable development fora and related Major Groups activities with the community through newsletters, social media and ISC/WFEO websites.

Who is currently part of the network?

The Major Group draws its expertise from the vast membership of ISC and WFEO, which spans the natural and social sciences and engineering. It also mobilizes scientific expertise from international research programmes such as Future Earth, Urban Health and Wellbeing, and Integrated Research on Disaster Risk. We also engage with individual scientists on specific sustainable development-related matters.

Find out more

To find out more about the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group and for the latest updates, check ISC and WFEO’s websites, follow the STC MG on Twitter and subscribe to our newsletters here.

• Position Paper to the 2021 HLPF -

To ensure openness and transparency, Organizing Partners of each Major Group were asked to report on their activities and governance since the lead up to the Rio+20 Conference, including a written description of their selection/election criteria and a list of the organizations the Major Group consults with.

• Organizing Partner Governance Reporting Form