UNESCO. General Conference; 36th; 36 C/5: volume 1: Draft ...

Major Programme III
Social and human sciences
Reinforcing impact in 2012-2013
03001 The work of the Social and Human Sciences Sector will address emerging social and
ethical challenges, which constitute Overarching Objective 3 of the Medium-Term
Strategy 2008-2013 (34 C/4), with due regard for the mobilization of social and
human science knowledge for sustainable development (contributing to Overarching
Objective 2) and for the fostering of a culture of peace (contributing to Overarching
Objective 4). Building on the achievements of the programme as implemented
between 2008 and 2011, MP III will contribute as follows to the expected results of
the 34 C/4, within an overarching human rights framework.
Major Programme III
– International debate having been stimulated on bioethics, environmental ethics and
ethics of nanotechnologies, emphasis will be put on support for pertinent national
action to embed ethical principles in routine institutional practices.
– Results of scientific research on the social dimensions of sustainable development,
in particular regarding poverty-related issues, will be disseminated and capacitybuilding
support for the establishment of national research systems will be provided.
– Successfully established mechanisms for international cooperation in philosophical
reflection, including the International Network of Women Philosophers, will be
mobilized to enhance critical understanding of contemporary and emerging social
and ethical challenges in the service of a culture of peace.
03002 Within the framework of the 34 C/4, the MP III 36 C/5 is based on a new planning
process, reflecting the spirit of the Independent External Evaluation, and includes a
number of innovative features. In particular, MP III now offers:
– stronger integration, for instance ensuring an explicit connection between
environmental dynamics and social transformations; emphasizing the city as a key
site of environmental change, social inclusion/exclusion, and transformation of
social and cultural structures; and stressing youth as a force for peace and social
change;
– enhanced focus, exploiting key intersections, such as the relation between social
inclusion and anti-discrimination at city level; social change to promote peace and
non-violence through youth; the connection between the dynamics of growth and
innovation and robust national social science capacities; and sport as lever for social
transformation;
– improved articulation of cross-cutting themes such as development, global
environmental change, and foresight, to enhance synergies and programme delivery;
– more practical emphasis on specific and feasible deliverables in all programme
areas, with particular reference to capacity-building.
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