China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) released the Action Plan for International Cooperation in Open Science, on Dec. 19, 2025. The plan, which is jointly proposed by the African Union, Brazil, China and South Africa aims to advance global collaboration in open science and contribute to building a more open, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological development worldwide.

According to the document, open science is recognized as a vital driver of human progress and a key pathway for addressing global challenges and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. While rapid technological advances and deeper international collaboration present unprecedented opportunities, open science also faces challenges such as policy divergence, uneven infrastructure development and the digital divide. Against this backdrop, the action plan underscores the importance of strengthening global governance in the era of open science.

The plan is designed to implement the Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science and to support the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. It calls on governments, research institutions, enterprises, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to work together under principles of equality and mutual benefit, respect for diversity, support the universal access to knowledge and further open collaboration.

The action plan outlines six major objectives. These include advancing global governance of open science in support of UNESCO and multilateral partnerships, deepening international collaboration on open science data sharing, jointly developing and sharing research infrastructures and resources, promoting the open circulation of world-class scientific journals, enhancing public understanding of and engagement with open science, and strengthening capacity-building in developing countries, particularly those in the Global South.

Specific measures range from sharing policies and best practices, supporting international monitoring and evaluation of open science, and improving interoperability among data platforms, to opening large-scale research facilities to global users, fostering inclusive, globally accessible publishing infrastructures, and expanding education, training and science communication initiatives. The plan also places emphasis on ethical data use, benefit-sharing mechanisms, talent development, technology transfer and reducing the cost of access to research outputs for developing countries.

The action plan is non-binding and open to broader participation. It welcomes contributions from G20 members, observers, knowledge partners and other stakeholders that support the Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science. Participating parties have agreed to establish multi-tiered cooperation mechanisms and a regular exchange platform, designate focal points, and hold meetings on a rotating basis to share experience and best practices.