Knowledge and Diplomacy Science Advice in the United Nations System (2002) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-4
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Many of the organs of the United Nations have set up advisory committees or processes to provide scientific input into decision making but there are no standard or generally applicable procedures that ensure quality and balance. A common approach is "conference diplomacy," relying on conferences, workshops, and expert group meetings to provide advice, with documents prepared by the secretariat or consultants; heavy weight is given to geographical representation in selection of experts, and there is no scientific peer review.
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From page 2... ...
The absence of clear procedures dealing with science advice generally exposes United Nations staff to political influence, which compromises the management of the advisory process. While many of the reports may be excellent, their basis in political processes often casts a shadow of doubt over their scientific standing.
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From page 3... ...
Recommendation I: Governing bodies of the United Nations that have substantial responsibilities for implementing sustainable development programs should each create an Office of the Science Advisor or equivalent facility or organizational function appropriate to its mandate. The science advisory function should be within the office of the Secretary-General' Director-General, or Executive Secretary of the organ or conference and should serve the governing body of the organization through the Secretariat.
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From page 4... ...
The United Nations should help member states to strengthen their own scientific advisory capabilities, and it should recruit scientists associated with these national capabilities for UN scientific advisory functions. The United Nations will be better able to use scientific advice when all nations have the capability to participate fully in its scientific advisory processes.
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