Science is part of Member States’ efforts to develop more humane, just and inclusive societies and serves to further the United Nations ideals of peace and welfare of humankind.

Member States’ governments and the general public alike recognize the value and use of science and technology for tackling global challenges. Society is engaged in science and research through the identification of knowledge needs, the conduct of scientific research, and the use of results.

Member States should use scientific knowledge in an inclusive and accountable manner to inform national policy and decision making, and to advance international cooperation and development.

Member States’ governments and the general public alike recognize the value and use of science and technology for tackling global challenges. Society is engaged in science and research through the identification of knowledge needs, the conduct of scientific research, and the use of results.

All citizens enjoy equal opportunities for the initial education and training needed for, and equal access to employment in scientific research. Scientific researchers enjoy equitable conditions of work. The participation of women and other under-represented groups should be actively encouraged in order to remediate inequalities.

Research should be conducted in a responsible manner that respects the human rights of scientific researchers and human research subjects alike. Open access to research results and the knowledge derived from it promotes the human right to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

Scientific researchers respect public accountability and carry out their work in a humanely, scientifically, socially and ecologically responsible manner, while at the same time they enjoy the degree of autonomy and intellectual and academic freedom appropriate to their task and indispensable to the advancement of science and technology.

Member States should establish suitable means to address the ethics of science and research integrity, through developing education and training regarding the ethical dimensions of science, establishing and supporting science ethics policies and committees, and stimulating the professional ethics of researchers including their intellectual integrity, sensitivity to conflict of interest and vigilance as to the potential consequences of their research and development activities, including their technical applications.

Human capital is the principal pillar of a sound science system. Member States should develop policies with respect to the training, employment, career prospects, and work conditions of scientific researchers. These policies should address, inter alia, adequate career development prospects; lifelong learning opportunities; the facilitation of mobility and international travel; the protection of health and social security; and inclusive and transparent performance appraisal systems for scientific researchers.

Member States – government and nongovernment stakeholders alike ‐ should create a stimulating environment for a sound science system with adequate human and institutional capacities, by facilitating satisfactory work conditions, moral support, and public recognition of successful performance of scientific researchers; by supporting education in science and technology; by promoting publishing and sharing data and results that meet adequate quality standards; and by monitoring the implementation and impact of such efforts.