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224th session of the Executive Board : 8-23 April 2026
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Natural Sciences
Science for a sustainable future
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UNESCO sites offer a lifeline to biodiversity, new report shows
While global wildlife populations have declined by 73% since 1970, those within UNESCO-protected areas have remained comparatively stable.
UNESCO names 12 new Global Geoparks
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Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences
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International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development
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Creating knowledge and understanding through science equips us to find solutions to today’s acute economic, social and environmental challenges and to achieving sustainable development and greener societies. As no one country can achieve sustainable development alone, international scientific cooperation contributes, not only to scientific knowledge but also to building peace.
Impact stories
Discover how UNESCO transforms lives through the power of science
UNESCO names 12 new Global Geoparks
22 April 2026
UNESCO sites offer a lifeline to biodiversity, new report shows
20 April 2026
People and nature: UNESCO safeguarding life and heritage
17 April 2026
UNESCO mobilizes partners to rebuild the foundations of peace in Ukraine and calls for additional support
13 April 2026
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Key facts
1 in 3
researchers worldwide is a woman
and less than 10% in some countries
2 billion
people rely on glaciers
for water and energy
784
biosphere reserves
in 142 countries
229
UNESCO Global Geoparks
in 50 countries
Natural Sciences
Working with local communities and promoting sustainable development around the world
News
Article
UNESCO Flood Resilience project concludes with national workshop in Kenya
News
Call for applications: Workshop series on biobanking
News
UNESCO International Geoscience Programme turns focus to Latin America and the Caribbean
News
Call for applications to host the 13th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks 2029
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Calendar
Ceremony
Handover of certificates to the new UNESCO Global Geoparks and revalidations of 2026
27 April 2026
Cat VIII - Symposia
Launch of UNESCO Science Clubs Network - Asia-Pacific edition
28 April 2026 - 29 April 2026
Ceremony
International Day for Small Island Developing States celebration
29 April 2026
Cat VII – Seminar and training
Open Science: From the UNESCO Recommendation to Reality in Asia and the Pacific - Session 6
30 April 2026
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Publications
People and nature in UNESCO-designated sites: Global and local contributions
Be Resilient Southern Africa July - December 2025 Newsletter
The United Nations World Water Development Report 2026, Water for all people: equal rights and opportunities
UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia Annual Report 2025
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Scientist to Scientist: Breaking Barriers in STEM – Young Female Voices on Challenges and Triumphs
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UNDER ANTARTICA EXPEDITION: the first kite-ski expedition supporting polar science
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UNESCO’s tracker training helps safeguard Indigenous knowledge
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Protecting biodiversity is sharing humanity
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