The academic community on both sides of the Prut River encourages decision-makers in Moldova, Romania, and Europe to identify the necessary resources to create conditions for the development of science over the next ten years. This call was issued by participants at the launch event in Romania for the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024 - 2033, IPN reports.
The President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Ion Tighineanu, mentioned that the goals of the decade aim to increase trust in science, unify efforts by involving scientific researchers, decision-makers, and civil society to effectively apply scientific results and technological innovations in practice. A significant emphasis is placed on multidisciplinarity, which, according to the academician, is crucial for addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
"Through joint efforts, we will make the voice of science heard, and through concrete contributions to solving the ever more pressing challenges of modern society, we will increase trust in science from decision-makers, empowered institutions, and civil society. This will lead to a collective effort to promote and implement evidence-based policies to achieve the global sustainable development goals", said Ion Tighineanu.
The President of the Romanian Academy, Ioan-Aurel Pop, stated that he relies on the political support for the development of science provided by Romania, Moldova, and the European Union under the aegis of this decade, which means supporting all types of scientific advancement more than ever before. "How many scientific researchers did Romania have in 1990, and how many does it have now? We would all be amazed. And we would call for changes", said Ioan-Aurel Pop.
Romanian Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, President of Romania’s National Commission for UNESCO, emphasized that this is an emblematic event for the entire Romanian-speaking space, transcending the borders of both countries. The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024 - 2033 provides an opportunity to discuss the results achieved so far in promoting science within educational systems, the outcomes of science, and how it influences daily life, noted the Romanian Minister.
Moldovan Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, stated that this decade aims to raise awareness about the importance of all sciences for sustainable development. The official expressed confidence that the implementation of the decade’s agenda will help address the increasingly pressing challenges of the 21st century, and Moldova, with the support of the scientific community, will successfully join the European Union. "The experiences and good practices of societies that fully utilize research results for their benefit are compelling and demonstrate a remarkable development potential, as investing in research and education is an investment in the future of society and its sustainable development," said the minister.
On August 25, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period 2024–2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.
