The future of open access publishing for global development: insights from the UN Science Technology and Innovation Forum 2025 – INASP Blog

"Imagine being a scientist in an African university, eager to tackle pressing issues like malaria or food security, only to hit a paywall when trying to read the latest research. Imagine conducting a groundbreaking study but struggling to publish it because the journal asks for an $3,000 article fee you can’t afford. This isn’t a rare anecdote; it’s everyday life for thousands of researchers across the global South. At this year’s (2025) UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum, a group of experts from Africa and around the world came together to address a fundamental question: How can we reshape global research publishing so its inclusive for all? This piece offers further reflections on those discussions, highlighting science diplomacy as a pathway for a more equitable, open publishing system. ..."