Detailed information: https://council.science/news/call-nominations-gsdr-2027/
The Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) was mandated by United Nations Member States in The Future We Want, the outcome document of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the GSDR contributes to the follow-up and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serves as a major input to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The report aims to strengthen the science-policy-society interface and provide evidence-based guidance on sustainable development challenges and pathways.
Member States decided in 2016 that the GSDR should be produced every four years to inform the quadrennial SDG Summit. The report is prepared by an Independent Group of Scientists (IGS) appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General. The IGS consists of 15 experts representing a broad range of scientific disciplines, institutional backgrounds, and world regions, with attention to geographical and gender balance.
Building on the legacy of the previous reports, The Future is Now (2019) and Times of Crisis, Times of Change (2023), the next GSDR will be launched in September 2027 ahead of the 2027 SDG Summit. As the international community enters the final years of the 2030 Agenda, the report will provide scientific guidance on the state of sustainable development, identify emerging challenges and opportunities, and offer actionable recommendations to accelerate progress towards poverty eradication and sustainable development.
UN DESA has requested the ISC to coordinate an independent scientific review of the draft 2027 GSDR.
The review has three main objectives:
To ensure that the report addresses the most significant issues relevant to sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
To ensure that the report reflects balanced contributions from across disciplines, including the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, medical and health sciences, engineering and technology.
To ensure that the report accurately reflects the state of scientific knowledge and broad scientific consensus regarding sustainable development challenges, opportunities and pathways for action.
The ISC is inviting nominations of experts from its Members, Affiliated Bodies and partner organizations to participate in the review. Reviewers should be active researchers, practitioners or policy experts with relevant expertise in one or more areas covered by the report. Expertise from a broad range of disciplines and sectors is encouraged, including interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives. Familiarity with international sustainable development processes and the science-policy interface will be an asset.
The ISC particularly welcomes nominations that contribute to disciplinary, geographical, gender and career-stage diversity among reviewers.
The review is expected to take place between early September and early October 2026. The draft report to be reviewed is expected to be approximately 150 pages. Reviewers will serve in their personal capacity and on a voluntary basis. Reviews must be submitted in English. Reviewers will receive acknowledgement in the report.
For the experts from IRDR community who would like to be nominated via IRDR, please contact Fang Lian at fang.lian@irdirnternational.org with the materials requested from ISC. Nominations should be submitted through the online nomination form by 31 July 2026. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
