The world is in a constant struggle to deliver a healthier, more just and environmentally sound planet. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, the leaders of the world agreed to achieve "a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at global, regional and national levels as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth." While the primary responsibility lies with the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, implementation must occur across all sectors. There must be, therefore, a mobilization of sufficient human, financial, technical and technological resources.

Universities and the scientific community are essential partners in reducing the rate of biodiversity loss, as they have both the expert knowledge and technical capacity to develop, and promote, effective actions for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Through stronger collaboration with the academic and research community, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) aims to enhance the quality of scientific and technical advice in the Convention's work, and put this knowledge towards enhanced implementation of policy directives. As the only international treaty dealing with all aspects of biodiveristy, the Convention and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) also aims to be at the forefront of conservation and sustainable development efforts, incorporating the most recent research findings into its policies and practical guidance.