MOST, launched in March 1994, is a global initiative undertaken by UNESCO to promote international comparative Social Sciences research. The primary emphasis is to support large-scale, long-term autonomous research and to transfer the relevant findings and data to decision-makers. The long-term objective is to establish sustainable links between Social Sciences researchers and decision-makers so a
s to strengthen scientific, professional and institutional capacities, particularly in developing countries. MOST focuses on improving the linkage between research and policy-making, including the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of development actions and processes, the dissemination of research results, best practices and capacity-building. The 2002-2003 consultations with UNESCO's regional representations and scientific partners identified specific thematic priorities per region. Further consultations in 2004-2005 led to the establishment of regional priority themes for Phase II of the MOST Programme. The priority themes for each region are as follows:
Africa: Regional Integration Processes
Arab States: the Role of the State in Social Development
Asia-Pacific: Human Security
Europe, including Eastern and Central Europe, and North America: Ageing
Latin America and the Caribbean: Fighting poverty
Small Islands Development States (SIDS): Sustainable Social Development. Each region has taken up the responsibility to host forums related to the regional priority themes.
