On the Role of Science Centres and Science Museums Worldwide In Support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Science centres and science museums throughout the world are committed to promoting scientifically literate societies and participatory citizenship, by educating, empowering and inspiring people of all ages about the impact of science on their lives. Since 1996, leaders of the field have convened in six world congresses, reaffirming these commitments in two formal declarations (Toronto and Cape Town.) These congresses provided the basis for convening the first Science Centre World Summit (SCWS2014) in Mechelen, Belgium, yielding the comprehensive Mechelen Declaration of principles and concrete actions to enhance public engagement for a better world.

At the convening of the second Science Centre World Summit (SCWS2017) on 15-17 November, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan, parties recognise the importance of applying the principles of the Mechelen Declaration more precisely to strengthening public engagement in global sustainability. The Tokyo Protocol outlines a set of nine actions on the role of science centres and science museums worldwide in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Protocol was signed in June 2017 by representatives of science centre networks from around the world. Download it below.