Programme / Promoting Inclusion through Science Education, Outreach and Engagement

“Leaving no-one behind” is at the core of Agenda 2030. Education is the key tool in combating poverty and promoting peace, social justice, human rights, democracy, intercultural understanding and environmental awareness. In this context, it is imperative for scientists and educators to promote and shape science education and to facilitate global science literacy, to support equal opportunity and to empower and inform global citizens. Good science education can help to give all people a voice to challenge injustice and inequality and enable them to make informed decisions about the way they live their lives. The annual UN’s World Science Day for Peace and Development, which falls on the final day of WSF 2017, shares these aspirations.

Science education and engagement beyond the classroom can also help to achieve these aspirations. Traditional science communication activities, through the media and science museums, are increasingly being complemented by social media, science centres, and new ways of communicating science through art and civil society engagement. Developments and deployment of ICT is transforming the way science is communicated to all ages and in many contexts.

This session will explore the status of science-based learning around the world, at all levels and in different contexts. Particular attention will be given to the strength and impact of basic science in developing economies, and the status of evidence-informed thinking around the world. The session will also explore capacity building and knowledge transfer programmes in education, helping to alleviate inequalities, and efforts to capitalise on innovative ICT developments.