In the run up to the G8 summit in Northern Ireland in June 2013, the Royal Society has worked in partnership with the national science academies of the other G8 member states and five other science academies to produce this statement that will sent to the participating governments as an input to the summit’s negotiations.
The statement explains how science and research can contribute to ensuring sustainable development and asserts that many of the most pressing global challenges can only be met through a systematic approach and by including the global scientific community in the relevant processes. This is particularly true for population growth, the sustainable use of resources, and the supply of water, food and energy. A further important prerequisite for sustainable development is improved literacy. The academies recommend promoting literacy across the globe, and advocate the importance of adopting a wider understanding of the term in this context to include scientific literacy, for example with regard to knowledge about nutrition and healthcare.