September 9–26, 2025
alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81)
14 – 30 September 2026
New York and Nairobi
Science for a Sustainable Future: Showcasing Science Collaboration
The role and contribution of science in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be the central aim of the Science Summit. The objective is to enable science collaborations to demonstrate how science supports the attainment of the UN SDGs and Agenda 2030.
The Summit examines what enabling policy, regulatory and financial environments are needed to implement and sustain the science mechanisms required to support genuinely global scientific collaborations across continents, nations and themes.
Scientific discovery through the analysis of massive data sets is at hand. This data-enabled approach to science, research and development will be necessary if the SDGs are to be achieved.
The Science Summit 2025 featured almost 1,000 speakers, across more than 320 sessions
Science Summit for Sustainable Development
The Science Summit is a hybrid event offering a dynamic blend of online and in-person sessions in the vibrant setting of New York City and for the first year in Nairobi (Kenya) in 2026.
This year focused on the pivotal role of science in addressing societal challenges within planetary boundaries to enhance global well-being.
This theme underscores the necessity of scientific innovation in maintaining Earth’s stability and resilience. This year’s theme underscores the importance of conducting science responsibly, respecting Earth’s natural limits, and prioritising science for society and the people.
Building on the success of last year’s summit, which featured an impressive array of 320 sessions, 940 speakers, and attracted 12,000 attendees.
It will take place over three weeks, from September 8th to September 25th, 2026, the Summit offers a comprehensive program designed to facilitate meaningful scientific collaboration, and knowledge sharing across diverse scientific disciplines and sectors.
These Are Our Objectives
- Present key science initiatives in a series of workshops, presentations, seminars, roundtables and plenary sessions addressing each of the 17 UN SDGs and the associated targets.
- Promote collaboration by enabling researchers, scientists and civil society organisations to become aware of each other and work to understand and address critical challenges.
- Promote inclusive science, including increasing access to scientific data by lower and middle-income countries.
- Focus meetings will be organised around each of the UN SDGs, bringing key stakeholders together to understand and advance global approaches.
- Priority will be given to developing science capacity globally to implement the SDGs.
- Demonstrate how research infrastructures work as a driver for international cooperation.
- Promote awareness of data-enabled science and related capacities and infrastructures.
- Understand how key UN initiatives, including the UN Global Digital Compact, LOCAL 2030, and the UN Summit of the Future in 2024, can provide a basis for increasing science cooperation globally to address global challenges.
Empowering Sustainable Development Through Global Partnership and Innovation
Science Summit contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Empowering Sustainable Development through Global Partnerships and Innovation. Specifically, by:
- Encouraging Effective Partnerships
We believe that effective partnerships are the cornerstone of sustainable development. By fostering collaboration between nations, organizations, and stakeholders, we can amplify our impact and accelerate progress toward our shared goals.
- Knowledge Sharing and Cooperation
Access to science, technology, and innovation is crucial for driving progress. We are dedicated to enhancing North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation to ensure equitable access to these resources. Through collaboration, we can harness the power of innovation to address global challenges.
- Promoting Sustainable Technologies
We recognize the importance of promoting sustainable technologies, especially in developing countries. By facilitating the development, transfer, and dissemination of environmentally sound technologies on favorable terms, we empower nations to pursue sustainable pathways to development.
- Enhancing Capacity in Developing Countries
We are committed to enhancing capacity in developing countries to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through targeted capacity-building initiatives and international support, we strengthen the ability of nations to implement comprehensive strategies for sustainable development.
“ Together, let us harness the power of science and innovation to create a more sustainable and equitable world “
