Held as an official side event of the 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, this hybrid event will examine how diverse knowledge systems can contribute to more sustainable, resilient and equitable futures.
Organized by UNESCO, the session will bring together UNESCO Chairs, researchers, policymakers, civil society representatives, youth, and Indigenous and local knowledge holders to explore how futures literacy, foresight and knowledge co-production can support decision-making in the face of biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, water insecurity and other global challenges. Discussions will highlight the role of scientific, Indigenous and local knowledge in developing inclusive approaches that strengthen the links between science, policy and society.
The programme will include keynote remarks, a roundtable discussion featuring speakers from academia, UNESCO and national ecosystem assessment processes, and an interactive question-and-answer session. The event aims to identify practical opportunities for integrating diverse knowledge systems into sustainable development initiatives and fostering collaboration across sectors.
