CILAC 2021 Themes

Science is a Human Right. This is what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its article 27 when it says: “Every person has the right… to participate in scientific progress and the benefits that result from it… Every person has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests that correspond to them by reason of scientific productions.” ..." Furthermore, it deepens with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, (article 15) and at the inter-American level with the American Convention on Human Rights, in particular, with article 14 of the San Salvador Protocol on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – DESC.

CILAC 2021 will focus on the role of science as a vector of inclusion. In this sense, in addition to exploring in particular the different approaches to the relationship between science and inclusion, the focus will be on how technological convergence hand in hand with the Digital Economy and productive integration contribute to more inclusive societies, exploring, at the same time, the ethical and social limits for these new advances in knowledge. In addition, there will be open sessions on other relevant topics that will allow us to outline a clear agenda on the region's priorities and challenges in Science, Technology and Innovation.

CILAC 2021 Themes

Science is a Human Right. This is what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its article 27 when it says: “Every person has the right… to participate in scientific progress and the benefits that result from it… Every person has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests that correspond to them by reason of scientific productions.” ..." Furthermore, it deepens with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, (article 15) and at the inter-American level with the American Convention on Human Rights, in particular, with article 14 of the San Salvador Protocol on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – DESC.

CILAC 2021 will focus on the role of science as a vector of inclusion. In this sense, in addition to exploring in particular the different approaches to the relationship between science and inclusion, the focus will be on how technological convergence hand in hand with the Digital Economy and productive integration contribute to more inclusive societies, exploring, at the same time, the ethical and social limits for these new advances in knowledge. In addition, there will be open sessions on other relevant topics that will allow us to outline a clear agenda on the region's priorities and challenges in Science, Technology and Innovation.

central axes
Artificial Intelligence, ethical and social challenges for development

Our societies today carry in their internal fabric a connecting thread between the productive, scientific, technological and cultural genre, which is none other than the participation of artificial intelligence in all the daily processes of our lives.

Will it be necessary to establish technovigilance for artificial intelligence similar to the pharmacovigilance currently used for drugs? Can artificial intelligence systems be regulated to take care of user privacy? Will algorithms be allowed to make decisions without knowing the mechanisms involved and without human intervention? Will existing inequalities increase? How is the way we do science, develop technology and innovate based on AI changing?

Digital Economy and productive integration

The basis of the new economy is the convergence between content, networks, platforms and technological applications, and their encounter with industries and activities based on creativity. The global productive scenario is experiencing a strong digital convergence whose inclusive trends can be used for the creation of quality jobs, cultural integration in the scientific, artistic, technological field and to face the challenges of the great cities of the future (namely, accessibility , food, housing, etc.).

Articulating science, art and technology, generating income, creating jobs, inspiring minds, improving quality of life and generating sustainable growth. What are the challenges that this convergent path opens up for society? Is “industry 4.0” an opportunity or threat for Latin America and the Caribbean?

It is important to highlight that in 2023 the International exhibition recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the theme “Creative industries in digital convergence”.

inclusive science

Innovation and development are only achieved when society as a whole participates in the creation of knowledge in favor of prosperity, and in this process the inclusion of minorities that were excluded for years from scientific and technological production is unavoidable.

In order to guarantee access to the benefits of the advancement of Science and Technology, UNESCO works, from its normalizing function, in the drafting of various recommendations, where the recommendation for Science stands out. And in its promotional work, in scientific advisory and diplomacy programs, in scientific education and culture, in promoting gender equity in science, in promoting open science and access to scientific information.

Now, is it possible to democratize S&T when its role in capital accumulation intensifies and social inequality increases? Are science and technology a source of inequality or a channel for inclusion?

Climate change, risks and socio-environmental resilience

Climate change is the main challenge of our time. UNESCO works together with other United Nations bodies to try to help Member States adapt to climate change, mitigate its effects and educate societies for sustainable development, assess the dangers of natural disasters caused by climate change, and to monitor its impact on UNESCO sites (such as World Heritage sites and biosphere reserves). The Organization's initiative uses these sites to promote low-carbon economies, for example, through the sustainable use of renewable energy sources.

The complexities inherent in these issues require further advances in education, awareness and training to enable societies around the world to better understand, adapt to and mitigate climate change. This progress will produce informed individuals, competent workforces and enlightened policymakers.

Intervention areas

Sciences for business innovation

How to design innovative strategies, integrate visions and stimulate dialogue between agents (companies, governments, academia and civil society).

  • University – Company
  • Technological poles
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Green economy
  • Policies for companies to innovate
  • Sustainable human development

Cultivating science and citizenship

  • Science education
  • Promotion of scientific vocations
  • Scientific dissemination
  • Sciences, citizenship and democracy
  • Media, sciences and audiences
  • ICTs building scientific spirit
  • Cultivating science and citizenship: teaching Science, Technology and Society

Universities for development

Promote that research agendas incorporate problems of great social relevance, cooperating in the search for solutions to collective problems.

  • Higher education financing
  • Research agendas and stimulus system
  • Higher Education management indicators
  • University transfer of scientific knowledge
  • The University – Company potential
  • Science training
  • Research training
  • Infrastructures and devices for scientific development
  • The promotion of university research: political orientation and support instruments
  • Academic evaluation

Scientific policies

Formulate better evidence-based STI public policies and address the challenges of sustainable development and social transformations.

  • STI governance and financing
  • Strategies and technical assistance devices for governments
  • Scientific diplomacy
  • Ethics of science
  • Gender equality in the scientific field
  • Incentives for young researchers
  • Scientific cooperation
  • Ancestral knowledge and its knowledge systems
  • Democratic discussion of the CTI
  • Policies for sustainable development