Alexandria, VA – On September 11th, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) will participate in a focus group to discuss the United Nations' process of defining Article 15 in the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Article 15 recognizes the human right to "enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications." The focus group will be led by the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) Science and Human Rights Coalition. Historically, this process has not included input from scientists and engineers; however, this year the geoscience community will be able to contribute to the conversation.
AGI President Wayne Pennington and President-Elect Sharon Mosher will join members of the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, and AAAS to form a diverse group of participants with different scientific interests, including early-career geoscientists. Findings generated from this and other focus groups will be presented to the United Nations.
"This will be an excellent opportunity for AGI and members of the geoscience community to advise the United Nations on a question of vital concern," said AGI Executive Director Dr. P. Patrick Leahy. "Our participation in this focus group will ensure the geosciences are contributing to this important initiative."
The AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition is a network of scientific and engineering organizations that includes the Association of American Geographers, the Council on Undergraduate Research, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. AGI, GSA, the Association of Earth Science Editors, and the Soil Science Society of America are Affiliated Organizations.
The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 250,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.