This organization, formerly a key player in the global scientific landscape, served as a non-governmental entity dedicated to international collaboration in science. It functioned as a unifying body, assembling scientific unions, national scientific organizations, and other institutions to promote scientific activity for the benefit of society. Its work encompassed a wide range of scientific disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary research and providing a platform for international scientific dialogue.
Its significance stemmed from its role in facilitating international research projects, setting standards for scientific research, and providing a voice for science in international policy forums. Established in 1931, it played a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. Its contributions spanned diverse areas, from environmental sustainability to public health, impacting global scientific discourse and collaborative initiatives.