The WSF traces back its origin to the first World Conference on Science, organised by UNESCO and ICSU and held in Budapest in 1999.
Advance in science is a major contributor to society's socio-economic development, the global welfare of humankind, man's relation to Nature, and the quality of life.
In recent years, the role of science has undergone changes, as scientific inquiry has increasingly become the motor of development in society.
In spite of its spectacular development and new opportunities, the science of 21st century faces wavering confidence, unseen dilemmas and new questions.
Mission of WSF – To provide major stakeholders with a global forum for dialogue on science and its role and responsibility in the 21st century.
– To exchange views and ideas on how to communicate science and its basic values to the society at large and to the various stakeholder groups.
The main organising institution of the WSF is the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, in close partnership with UNESCO and ICSU.