Breaking Barriers: A Global Dialogue on Science and the Gender Gap in Science

A stimulating discourse will be held, uniting Member States, esteemed and emerging scientists, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, UNESCO scientific networks and Chairs, as well as students. The objective of this Dialogue is to explore two critical questions that relate to the significance of science in our daily lives and its role in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, illnesses, and extreme poverty.

Science is a covert force that impacts every facet of our existence, from the artificial intelligence in our phones to the agricultural innovations that shape our morning meals. It plays a pivotal part in resolving global challenges and transcends our everyday routines. The first part of the Dialogue will concentrate on the groundbreaking research of the 2024 Laureates in biological sciences, clinical health, environmental studies, and other related fields. They will also discuss how their work contributes to tackling critical issues we are confronting today.

This UNESCO Call to Action: Closing the Gender Gap in Science was initiated on the occasion of the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It underscores the urgent need for multistakeholder collaborative actions at various levels to address gender disparities in science. These disparities not only hinder women’s progress but also impede scientific advancements and societal development as a whole. The second part of this Dialogue will feature insights from the 2024 Laureates about how to further this Call to Action.