Official Side Event of the 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD), convened by UNESCO

Paris | 16 July 2026 | 19:00–22:00
Pre-registration is open

At a time of heatwaves, climate anxiety, biodiversity loss, pollution and growing inequalities, Realistic Optimism: Science & Culture for a Livable Planet creates a space for reflection, expert insight, artistic experience and action-oriented dialogue.

The event will bring together prominent international voices from science, sustainability, culture, rights, philanthropy and innovation, alongside music, creative interventions and open conversation.

Confirmed contributors include Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences; Kornelia Tzinova, UNESCO Programme Specialist, Section of Research, Governance and Diplomacy; Lars Montelius, Professor Emeritus at Lund University; Adam Arango, Senior Development Manager, Kew Science, Royal Botanic Gardens; Maja Wegrzynowska, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and senior leader in arts and philanthropy; Clara Tomé, environmental lawyer and European Climate Pact Ambassador; Frouke Wiarda, Senior Researcher at ASCA Society, European Climate Pact Partner, interdisciplinary art project innovator and sound artist, as artistic contributor; Céline Dassonville, Founder of Ethiwork and Co-founder of Fédération de la Mode Circulaire, as Master of Ceremonies; Sirin Elci, President of INOMER SAS à mission and Chair of SHARE-for-IMPACT, as moderator; Zengmei Wang, UNESCO Associate Programme Specialist, Section of Research, Governance and Diplomacy; Bartu Elci-Ozsoy and SHARE Ensemble; and other contributors from science, culture and sustainability.

The event is organised in partnership with the UNESCO Chair on Global Understanding for Sustainability and its initiative, The Jena Declaration.