Proclamation in Durban

The international proclamation of the International Year of Global Understanding

At the World Social Science Forum 2015 in Durban, South Africa, the International Year of Global Understanding was officially proclaimed by the three major international councils of the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities: ICSU, ISSC and CIPSH. This marked a decisive step for the IYGU, giving the initiative global visibility and confirming it as a truly transdisciplinary international project.

The proclamation in Durban was the formal international launch of the IYGU on the global stage. Announced during the World Social Science Forum, it made clear that the IYGU was not confined to one discipline or one institution, but was conceived as a joint effort of the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.

The Durban proclamation gave the IYGU a new level of legitimacy and reach. According to IGU documentation, it was the first time that these three international organisations had jointly proclaimed an international year. That made Durban a foundational moment for the initiative and a strong signal for future international cooperation.