Thursday, 23 October 2025 | 23 out. 2025 11:00 da manhã em São Paulo (BRT)
Interpretation available in English and French
Registration link: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/
WN_67ow9WMySt-LSzO5zPI6Uw
Rationale and Background
In today’s era of rapid digital transformation, the free exchange of scientific information is essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and the ethical governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). Open Access (OA) ensures that research outputs are freely available to all, fostering transparency, innovation, and inclusive participation in global knowledge production. By removing barriers to knowledge, OA enables researchers, policymakers, and
professionals worldwide to collaborate seamlessly and accelerate solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Building on the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, which emphasizes equitable access to scientific information for all regions and disciplines, UNESCO supports Member States in developing policies, infrastructures, and capacities to make knowledge openly and fairly available. Equitable access to knowledge also underpins the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with at least ten of the 17 goals relying on scientific input to inform policies and interventions. UNESCO actively supports publishing models that remove costs for authors and readers, including Diamond Open Access, promoting community-driven research that is freely accessible. Through participation in global digital cooperation initiatives, such as the United Nations Global Digital Compact, UNESCO further advocates
for responsible governance of digital technologies and equitable access to scientific data, reinforcing the links between Open Access, Open Data, and global innovation.
To mark Open Access Week 2025, UNESCO will host this webinar to present its ongoing initiatives in the field of Open Access and to launch the consultation process for three new UNESCO documents on Open Access. The session will also feature the recently launched KISTI–UNESCO cooperative project (2025–2029), which aims to enhance global collaboration in Open Science through inclusive digital infrastructures, open data practices, and equitable access to research outputs. This event offers a platform to engage stakeholders, share experiences, and advance Open Access as a fundamental pillar of an inclusive knowledge society.
Speakers:
- Guilherme Canela, Director, CI/DPT/UAI
- Ezra Clarke, Chief of Section, SC/PBS/STIP
- Tel Amiel, UNESCO Chair in Open Education and Technologies for the
Common Good, University of Brasília - Zeynep Varoglu, Senior Programme Specialist, CI/DPT/UAI
- David Uribe Oliva, Senior Consultant, CI/UAI
Objectives
- Present UNESCO’s ongoing work and initiatives in Open Access to scientific
information. - Launch the consultation process for three new UNESCO documents on Open
Access. - Highlight the KISTI–UNESCO cooperative project (2025–2029) and its
strategies for building inclusive digital infrastructures and promoting
equitable access to scientific research. - Explore policy frameworks, institutional strategies, and best practices for
implementing Open Access at national and regional levels. - Foster dialogue among governments, research institutions, civil society, and
international partners to strengthen collaboration and advance the Open
Access agenda globally.
Guidance Questions
- How can Open Access accelerate the democratization of knowledge and
foster equitable scientific collaboration across regions and disciplines? - What policy frameworks and strategies are needed to ensure sustainable and
inclusive Open Access publishing models, including Diamond Open Access? - How can regional and global cooperation, such as the KISTI–UNESCO
project, support the implementation of Open Access infrastructures and
policies? - In what ways does Diamond Open Access promote equity, transparency, and
sustainability compared to other Open Access models? - How can Open Access advance evidence-based policymaking and contribute
to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Target Audience
This webinar will bring together a diverse audience of:
- Representatives of Member State Ministries responsible for Education,
Science, Communication and Information; - Policy makers and experts in Open Access and Open Science;
- Academic and research institutions, libraries, and data repositories;
- International organizations, NGOs, and civil society working to promote
equitable access to scientific information; - Researchers, educators, and students interested in the global Open Access
movement and its alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
Format
The webinar will follow an interactive format, featuring one question for each
speaker, three questions for all speakers collectively, and a dedicated Q&A
session at the end.
Link: https://www.unesco.org/en/event/open-access-week-webinar
