A/HRC/26/19 participation, she referred to the consensus conferences convened by the Government of Denmark as a unique mechanism for stimulating public debate and informing science and technology policy. Past conferences had addressed issues ranging from air pollution and sustainable agriculture to genetic engineering and human reproduction. She noted that, according to UNESCO, 27 per cent of researchers were women and 60 per cent of countries had not reached gender parity in primary and secondary education. Barriers implicated in that disparity included poverty, negative stereotypes, education orientation, disabilities and “work-life” balance. ICTs were essential tools for facilitating participation at every level, from primary education to the exchange of ideas and data among scientists. Education was a prerequisite for providing everyone with an opportunity to participate and to make informed personal choices about the use of the applications of science. In conclusion, Ms. Wyndham reiterated that the benefits of science included applications, knowledge and critical thinking, which contributed to the creation of an informed and empowered citizenry. In turn, participation was required for those benefits to be realized and must be supported by education, access to modes of communication and dissemination, and funding. 42. Ms. Shaheed observed that self-determination was a major element of the right to participate in the scientific enterprise and that people should be viewed as creators and not merely consumers. One participant remarked that, in order to ensure real participation, everyone must have both access and the ability to participate, and that the political will to ensure the involvement of all without discrimination, rather than just the privileged members of society, was essential. Ms. Wyndham emphasized that the transfer of knowledge was necessary for the full participation of all members of society in the scientific enterprise and that it should be achieved through education from primary school to university level. That would allow all stakeholders the opportunity to innovate and would ultimately benefit society as a whole rather than one individual. One concern identified by several participants was that policy- and decision-making still excluded individuals and communities to a great extent, particularly where decisions were taken at the intergovernmental level. The lack of participation by women in policy- and decisionmaking processes was, similarly, a matter of concern. IV. Conclusion 43. The right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress is a largely neglected right despite its importance for the enjoyment of other human rights and fundamental freedoms in the modern world. The participants in the seminar expressed particular interest in the relationship between the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and intellectual property rights. Much of the discussion concerned the compatibility of the international intellectual property system with human rights norms and standards, and the need for significant adjustments to ensure a balanced system which accords fully with human rights norms and standards. Barriers to access to information, technology and knowledge were also reviewed at some length, with participants identifying poverty and discrimination as two impediments to access. Similarly, the full realization of the right of participation, in its various possible applications and throughout the policy- and decision-making processes, is vital if the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress is to come into its own. 13