Resources & New Publications
Executive Report of the Scientific Advisory Board on: Horizon Scanning 2026
Scientific and technological change is now a structural driver of global risk, opportunity, and power. Advances in artificial intelligence, data systems, biotechnology, energy, and environmental science are increasingly embedded across sectors, directly affecting the UN’s ability to deliver on peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.
The Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board’s 2026 Horizon Scanning draws on input from 192 scientists and technologists across regions and disciplines, drawing on experts from the 11 scientific networks affiliated with the Board. It provides an assessment of where science and technology are most likely to intersect with UN priorities over the next 12 months and five years. It is not predictive; it is designed to support strategic awareness, institutional preparedness, and anticipatory governance.
Key messages:
• The primary shift is from discrete tools to system-level infrastructures, particularly in AI.
Data-driven systems and AI are moving from experimentation to institutionalization across research,
government, health, and environmental governance, raising accountability, transparency, and
capacity challenges.
• Governance gaps are the dominant source of risk. Regulatory lag, unequal access, opaque
systems, misuse of data, and declining trust are the dominant concerns as capabilities outpace
governance.
• Science and technology remain essential enablers of UN priorities. Science and technology,
especially AI and biotechnology, can accelerate achievement of climate and sustainability goals,
health security, food systems, and climate resilience—if governance and access are equitable.
• There is a clear expectation for UN leadership in a limited number of priority areas. Experts
prioritize UN leadership in five areas: global norms and governance; equity and scientific capacity;
science-policy interfaces and epistemic governance; science for sustainability and climate; and
science for health, resilience, and human security.
Science diplomacy is no longer just about cooperation, E.U. official says The European Commission official who drafted the new E.U. science diplomacy framework says the field is becoming a strategic tool for sovereignty, security and foreign policy.
The podcast interview on The Science Diplomat features Jan Marco Müller from the European Commission discussing how science diplomacy is being formalised within the EU. He explains that science diplomacy is no longer just about cooperation, but also a strategic tool of foreign policy in a more competitive geopolitical environment. The conversation highlights how the EU’s new framework aims to structure the use of scientific knowledge in international relations. Müller notes the challenges of translating scientific evidence into political decision-making due to differences in language, timing, and institutional culture. The episode also discusses the increasing role of countries outside the Global North in shaping global science. It emphasises that evidence alone is often not enough to influence policy outcomes. Key themes include timing, communication, and trust between scientists and policymakers. The interview reflects on how the EU tried to bring scientists and diplomats together in designing the framework. It also underlines the tension between cooperation and competition in global science. Overall, it presents science diplomacy as a practical, evolving instrument of modern foreign policy. More here.
Bridging research and policy: Engaging researchers in science diplomacy
The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) is a global network of more than 24,000 members from over 155 countries who have benefited from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). The association supports career development, promotes collaboration, and advocates for researchers worldwide. The MCAA welcomes the European Commission proposal for a European Union framework for science diplomacy, considering it an important step in strengthening the EU’s scientific and geopolitical role. As a researcher-led international community, the MCAA actively promotes science diplomacy through mobility, interdisciplinary cooperation, and intercultural exchange. The association is also involved in key international initiatives, including the European Research Area Forum Stakeholder Group 4, the International Science Council, and the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance. These engagements position the MCAA as an important stakeholder in global science diplomacy. While supporting the initiative, the MCAA believes the proposed framework should be more ambitious, with clearer implementation measures, dedicated resources, and stronger integration into existing EU policies. More here.
New framework to measure knowledge valorisation
As part of an action of the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025-27, the study investigates how research and innovation activities generate economic and societal value across the EU and associated countries, responding to growing interest in knowledge valorisation as a key driver of economic growth, innovation capacity, and strategic autonomy. The study reviews current evidence and establishes an exploratory framework that integrates 16 indicators and 41 metrics, combining established measures with emerging ones from open data, administrative sources and new analytical methods. It includes a selection of indicators on knowledge transfer and academia-industry collaboration, as well as indicators that capture other value creation pathways, such as research in standardisation, policy-making, and citizen engagement. It highlights weaknesses in the evidence base, including data gaps, inconsistent definitions and differences in national practices. The study concludes with recommendations for pilot testing, methodological refinement and greater data alignment to support a harmonised EU approach to monitoring knowledge valorisation in Member States and associated countries. More here.
The Guild and ERASuD respond to the Proposal for a Regulation establishing Global Europe
The Guild and ERASuD responded to the European Commission’s proposal for a European Union framework for science diplomacy, welcoming the initiative as an important step toward strengthening Europe’s global scientific role. The organisations emphasised that universities and research institutions play a central role in science diplomacy through international cooperation, mobility, and knowledge exchange. They supported the objective of linking research and innovation more closely with EU foreign policy and global challenges. At the same time, they called for a more ambitious and better-resourced framework with clearer implementation mechanisms. The response highlighted the importance of academic freedom, open science, and long-term international partnerships in maintainingEurope’s competitiveness and credibility. The organisations also stressed that science diplomacy should remain inclusive, collaborative, and based on shared democratic values. They argued that universities must be actively involved in the development and governance of future science diplomacy actions. The statement further underlined the need for stronger coordination between EU institutions, Member States, and the research community. Overall, The Guild and ERASuD expressed strong support for the initiative while encouraging the EU to ensure practical implementation and meaningful engagement with the academic sector. More here.
Parliament endorses renewed EU trade instrument for development
- EU to continue granting trade preferences to developing countries to help eradicate poverty
- New human rights and environmental conventions added, with effective monitoring
- Preferential treatment may be withdrawn for failure to cooperate on readmission of irregular migrants
- New safeguards for EU rice producers
Turning climate science into advice farmers can use
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, farmers are facing growing pressure from unpredictable rainfall, longer dry spells, and declining soil conditions, making it harder to produce food reliably.
Climate-smart agriculture has been promoted as a way to help them adapt, but despite years of research and investment, many farming systems continue to struggle.
In this episode of Africa Science Focus, our reporter Michael Kaloki, examines how agricultural science can be better translated into climate resilience in farmers’ fields.
Much of that advice is shaped by iSPARK, a research project that is testing which agricultural practices actually build resilience in western Kenya, and for whom. Led by CGIAR’s International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the University of Leeds, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), and iShamba, the project aims to turn its evidence into farming advisories, policy pathways, and investment plans. More here.
ILO and Responsible Minerals Initiative partner to address child labour in mineral supply chains
Agreement will align efforts to support stronger private-sector action on prevention, due diligence and remediation.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) have partnered to strengthen efforts to eliminate child labour in mineral supply chains, especially in the cobalt sector. The collaboration focuses on improving due diligence, responsible sourcing, and labour conditions in mining communities. Child labour remains a major concern in artisanal and small-scale mining, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a key supplier of cobalt used in batteries and green technologies. The initiative aims to combine the ILO’s expertise on labour rights with RMI’s experience in responsible mineral supply chains. Key actions include strengthening monitoring systems, improving remediation services for affected children, and supporting families through education and alternative livelihoods. The partnership also promotes cooperation between governments, companies, civil society, and international organisations. Training and capacity-building activities will help mining actors comply with international labour standards. The initiative highlights the importance of transparency and accountability throughout supply chains. It also reflects growing pressure on companies to ensure ethical sourcing of critical minerals linked to the energy transition. More broadly, the partnership seeksto align economic development, environmental goals, and social justice in mineral-producing regions. More here.
FG, EU Launch €2.7M Earth Observation Project to Transform Nigerian Agriculture
Nigeria and the European Union have launched a €2.7 million Earth Observation-based agricultural project aimed at improving food security and climate resilience. The initiative is implemented by Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in partnership with the European Space Agency. The project will use satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies to support climate-smart agriculture and modernisefarming systems. It seeks to provide farmers and policymakers with real-time data on crop health, soil conditions, weather patterns, and environmental risks. Pilot activities and demonstration farms will be established across several Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory. Farmers will receive support through IoT devices, AI-based advisory tools, mobile applications, and SMS services. The project also plans to develop an open-source agricultural information system integrating satellite and ground-level data. EU officials said the initiative aligns with the Global Gateway strategy and aims to position Nigeria as a regional hub for agricultural innovation. Nigerian authorities stressed the importance of data-driven farming to address climate change, land degradation, and food insecurity. Capacity building for extension workers and local institutions is also included to ensure sustainability. The initiative reflects growing efforts to combine digital innovation, space technology, and agriculture to strengthen food systems in Africa. More here.
Science Granting Councils Initiative announce support to Africa’s STI Policy Agenda at African Union Meetings
The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has announced new support for Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) agenda during African Union meetings in Addis Ababa. A new international commitment of CAD 57 million (around USD 42 million) will support implementation of the African Union’s STISA-2034 strategy through SGCI-3, the third phase of the initiative. The programme is led by science granting councils from 20 sub-Saharan African countries in partnership with AUDA-NEPAD. Funding partners include IDRC, Norway, the UK FCDO, Wellcome, the German Research Foundation, and South Africa’s NRF. The initiative aims to strengthen Africa-led research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking. SGCI-3 will support research aligned with national priorities in agriculture, health, ICT, energy, and the environment. It also seeks to strengthen councils’ influence on STI policy and improve research management capacities. A new SGCI Alliance will reinforce African ownership and leadership in decision-making and agenda setting. The programme promotes regional cooperation, peer learning, and public–private partnerships. It highlights the importance of science and innovation in addressing climate change, food insecurity, health crises, and technological disruption. The initiative also aims to improve the use of data and evidence in policymaking and mobilise domestic STI investments. Overall, SGCI-3 positions African science granting councils as strategic actors for sustainable development and implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. More here.
Review from the 1st Ukrainian–European Science Diplomacy Forum on 12 March (Vienna)
The 1st Ukrainian–European Science Diplomacy Forum was held on 12 March 2026 in Vienna at the University of Vienna. The event brought together more than 100 participants from 12 countries and over 60 academic, governmental, and international institutions. The forum focused on strengthening scientific cooperation between Ukraine and Europe in the context of the war and Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area. Participants included representatives from the European Commission, UNESCO, Ukrainian ministries, research foundations, universities, and diaspora networks. Discussions highlighted how war-driven displacement has created a strong Ukrainian scientific diaspora across Europe that can serve as a strategic bridge for research collaboration. Speakers stressed the importance of science diplomacy for recovery, resilience, reconstruction, and international cooperation. The programme addressed themes such as diaspora networks, multilateral science diplomacy, research alliances, and cultural diplomacy. Several panels explored how Ukrainian researchers abroad can contribute to rebuilding scientific capacity and strengthening European partnerships. The forum also underlined the role of universities and research institutions in maintainingcooperation during crises. Participants called for more structured support for Ukrainian researchers and stronger long-term partnerships. Policy briefs and follow-up initiatives are expected to support future EU–Ukraine scientific cooperation and integration efforts. More here.
A new science-policy platform launches to strengthen food systems, improve diets and health in Africa
The Africa Regional Collaborative for Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH-ARC) has launched a new science–policy platform in Accra, Ghana, aimed at transforming food systems across Africa. The initiative brings together leading African research and policy institutions to strengthen evidence-based decision-making on diets, nutrition, and health. It is designed to respond to growing challenges such as malnutrition, rising food prices, climate change, urbanisation, and fragmented governance. The platform will generate, synthesise, and translate scientific evidence into actionable policy and investment options. A key objective is to improve the link between agriculture, nutrition, and health, which are often addressed separately. The initiative is co-led by institutions in Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa and linked to a wider global ANH science–policy network. It is supported by international partners including UK and philanthropic funders. The platform emphasises African leadership in shaping research agendas and strengthening policy relevance. Gender equality, equity, and climate resilience are central to its approach. It will also support capacity building and regional collaboration among African researchers and policymakers. Overall, the initiative aims to make food systems more sustainable, equitable, and evidence-driven. More here.
Lifelong learning must become a strategic policy priority
A new report from the International Labour Organization argues that lifelong learning must become a central policy priority to help societies adapt to rapid technological, environmental, and demographic changes. The report highlights that digitalisation, AI, the green transition, and ageing populations are transforming labourmarkets worldwide. It warns that without stronger and more inclusive learning systems, inequalities between and within countries will deepen. Only a small share of adults currently participate in structured training, with informal and low-skilled workers having the least access. Employers increasingly seek a combination of technical, digital, cognitive, and socio-emotional skills rather than narrow technical expertise alone. The report also stresses the growing importance of care-related jobs and green skills. Lifelong learning should extend beyond formal education to include workplace and informal learning. However, many countries still underinvest in adult education and lack coordinated learning systems. The ILO calls for stronger governance, sustainable financing, social dialogue, and closer cooperation between governments, employers, and workers’ organisations. Ultimately, lifelong learning is presented not only as an economic necessity, but also as a foundation for decent work, innovation, inclusion, and resilient societies. More here.
European Union and AfCFTA Secretariat strengthen their partnership to promote intra-African trade and investment
The European Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA Secretariat) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2026 to strengthen cooperation on intra-African trade and investment. The agreement aims to accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA, the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries. Signed during the EU–Ethiopia Business Forum in Addis Ababa, the partnership supports regional economic integration and aligns with the AU–EU Joint Vision for 2030. The initiative promotes policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action on trade-related matters. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable growth, investment opportunities, and job creation across Africa. The EU and its Member States remain the main partners supporting the AfCFTA through initiatives such as the €1.2 billion Team Europe Initiative and the EU Technical Assistance Facility. The partnership also contributes to the objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063 and supports a rules-based multilateral trading system. The agreement is expected to strengthen economic cooperation between Africa and Europe while fostering long-term continental integration and development.
News from CGIAR
CIMMYT-JIC partnership accelerates research, impact and global community building
The partnership between International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and John Innes Centre is strengthening global wheat research through collaborative science, innovation, and capacity building. Formalised in 2021, the partnership combines JIC’s expertise in upstream crop genetics with CIMMYT’s global breeding and farmer-oriented research networks.
In March 2026, researchers from both institutions met during CIMMYT’s Visitor’s Week in Mexico to launch major new initiatives addressing climate change, crop diseases, and food security challenges.
Two flagship initiatives were highlighted:
- the Global Surveillance Advisory System (GSAS), which expands global monitoring of wheat and maize diseases across Africa, Asia, and the Americas;
- the Global Wheat Health Alliance (GWHA), which links disease-resistance research with breeding programmes to accelerate delivery of resilient wheat varieties to farmers.
The collaboration also supports cutting-edge tools such as MARPLE Diagnostics for rapid field detection of wheat rust diseases.
A major focus of the partnership is capacity development and community building, especially for early-career scientists and women researchers. The 2026 Rosalind Franklin Women in Wheat Champions workshop provided leadership training, mentoring, and international networking opportunities.
More broadly, the partnership demonstrates how international scientific collaboration can connect discovery science, policy, breeding, and farmer impact to build more resilient and sustainable food systems globally. More here.
ICRISAT, CIMMYT Launch New Initiative to Fast-Track Climate-Resilient Crops in Africa and India
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and CIMMYT, with funding support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, have launched a landmark research initiative to dramatically shorten the time required to develop climate-resilient and market-preferred crop varieties for farmers in the drylands of Eastern Africa and India.
The five-year initiative, Applying Modern Tools to Enhance Precision and Speed of Dryland Crops Breeding, will initially focus on sorghum and groundnut as proof-of-concept crops while establishing a scalable framework for dryland crop improvement across Africa and South Asia. The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of CGIAR centers, ICRISAT, and CIMMYT, alongside national agricultural research systems in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and India, as well as the University of Queensland, a global leader in predictive breeding science.
The initiative combines artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive breeding, genomic selection, speed breeding, and advanced data integration to modernize breeding systems, double genetic gain rates, and reduce breeding cycle times by at least two years, helping ensure improved varieties reach farmers faster than ever before.
The landmark initiative will fast-track the development of climate-resilient crop varieties to help millions of smallholder farmers across Africa and India’s drylands build more secure livelihoods, strengthen food security, and better withstand the growing impacts of climate change. More here.
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