A Dialogue with the Laureates of the 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards

In the framework of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science week, this special event will bring together the 2024 Laureates for a dialogue centred around the programme's theme: “The World Needs Science, and Science Needs Women”. 

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This engaging conversation will gather Member States, accomplished and emerging scientists, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, UNESCO scientific networks and Chairs, as well as students. 

This Dialogue will explore two key questions:

• Why is science indispensable to the world? 

Science is the silent force that influences every aspect of our daily lives, often without our realising it. Whether it is the artificial intelligence in our phones, the agricultural innovations that shape our breakfast choices, or the engineering systems underlying transportation, science is everywhere. Yet, its importance goes beyond our routines; it also plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, diseases, and extreme poverty. 

During the first part of the Dialogue, the 2024 Laureates will not only present their groundbreaking research in the biological sciences, clinical, health and environmental fields, but also shed light on how their work contributes to tackling the critical issues we are facing. 

• Why are women indispensable to science?

Launched on the occasion of the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the UNESCO Call to Action: Closing the Gender Gap in Science calls for urgent multistakeholder collaborative actions at various levels. It highlights that gender disparities in science not only hinder the advancement of women but also impede scientific progress and societal development as a whole. 

During the second part of the Dialogue, the 2024 Laureates will provide their insights and discuss how to advance this Call to Action.