The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has called for stronger international scientific collaboration to address global challenges, promote peace and advance sustainable development.
UNESCO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Isaías Barreto da Rosa, made the call in Abuja at the 2026 World Science Day for Peace and Development celebration, with the theme: “Common Ground Through Science Diplomacy.”
Da Rosa, represented by the Head of UNESCO’s Science Sector in Nigeria, Dr. Enang Moma, said science diplomacy was essential in addressing challenges such as climate change, flooding, biodiversity loss and food insecurity.
He described science diplomacy as the use of scientific knowledge and collaboration to strengthen international relations and build trust among nations.
“The principles of science diplomacy are enforced on human rights, open science, on equity, on inclusion, on fairness and on transparency.
“Open science is making sure that your research is open for use and your research is open for collaboration. The principle of science diplomacy is to build trust and serve the global common good,” he said.
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Da Rosa cited international collaboration in the development of COVID-19 vaccines as an example of how shared scientific knowledge could accelerate responses to global emergencies.
He, however, warned that scientific collaboration could widen inequalities between developed and developing countries if not guided by equity, inclusion and transparency.
The UNESCO representative reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to support Nigeria in developing science diplomacy strategies, promoting evidence-based policymaking, strengthening research collaboration and advancing open science.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, said the development gap between countries was largely reflected in their capacity to harness science, technology and research for national development.
Muhammad said the ministry was working with its agencies and state governments to strengthen innovation, promote skills acquisition and commercialise research outputs.
He added that the ministry was also encouraging partnerships to expand science and technology development across the country, including through skills acquisition centres.
He called for stronger international partnerships, noting that scientific diplomacy would encourage the exchange of ideas, promote mutual understanding and strengthen peaceful relations among nations.
Earlier, the Director of Science and Technology Promotion, Mr. Agoro Olayiwola, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said science remained fundamental to peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
He said science and technology were critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification, job creation and efforts to improve citizens’ quality of life.
World Science Day for Peace and Development is observed annually to highlight the importance of science in society and encourage the application of scientific knowledge to address contemporary challenges.
