Decade Actions: Expression of Interest for Decade Programmes

Decade programmes are being solicited in a two-stage process. The first stage is a short Expression of Interest that documents the proposed programme in relation to:

• its alignment with the priorities outlined in the Barcelona Statement and the broader Vision 2030;
• its synergies and proposed collaboration with existing Decade programmes;
• the tangible means by which the science and knowledge generated by the programme will inform decision making and contribute to sustainable development. Specifically, programmes that enhance scientific cooperation in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic are welcomed.

Programme Specifications

• Decade Programmes are large-scale initiatives implemented at the global or regional scale. Programmes will be long-term, multi-year, interdisciplinary and multi-national. Programmes will be made up of component projects, which may or may not be fully or partially defined at the time of endorsement. The following criteria, although not exhaustive, will be used during the evaluation process as guidance to determine whether an initiative can be defined as a Decade programme:
  • Scale: either global reach, or major regional scale
  • Duration: at least 4 years
  • Disciplines: evidence of multi-disciplinary and transdisciplinary approach and team
  • Science to policy impact: evidence of clear pathways for scientific knowledge to inform decision making
  • Partners: international group of partners
  • Lead partner: international scope and experience that matches ambition of programme
  • Capacity development: includes element of capacity development
  • Scope for growth: demonstrates an ability to grow and expand over time and incorporate new partners or geographies including via the solicitation of Decade projects via future Calls for Decade Actions
  • Leadership: ability to host and support coordination of Decade Projects
  • ‘Business as usual’ reality check: If this is an existing initiative, does the submission focus on new, transformative and innovative aspects and propose and evolution of the existing initiative?

For more information, visit UNESCO.