The joint paper “Five years to course correct – Science and engineering for a world off track“, prepared for the 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), outlines how science, technology, and innovation can help realign global efforts toward inclusive, evidence-informed sustainability.

It highlights a persistent challenge: while scientific and technical knowledge is growing, it is not consistently translated into policy and practice. It also underscores the need for strengthened science-policy interfaces and greater investment in scientific cooperation, particularly amid growing geopolitical tensions and declining trust in public institutions.

Organized around seven themes – from international collaboration and peacebuilding to public engagement and inclusive leadership – it presents 17 case studies drawn from around the world, offering practical examples of science and engineering contributing to SDG implementation.

“Closing this gap is not optional. Connecting scientific and engineering expertise with public institutions, communities, and policy frameworks through science-policy interfaces is essential for SDG delivery,” write ISC CEO Salvatore Aricò and WFEO Executive Director Jacques de Méreuil.

From coral reef restoration in Belize and community forest management in the DRC to AI-enabled ESG reporting in Japan and immersive climate education in Colombia, the paper showcases transdisciplinary solutions that bring knowledge and action together. Many of the featured initiatives reflect leadership from the Global South and emphasize co-design with local communities, Indigenous peoples, and youth.

The publication was developed as a contribution from the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group, which the ISC and WFEO co-organize, and responds directly to the 2025 HLPF theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda.”