The coordinators of the national collections of Open Access journals from the 16 countries of the SciELO Network, on the occasion of its 25^th anniversary, agree on the following declaration:

Recognizing that: 

1. 1. Developing better access to scientific knowledge is essential for our collective future, not only for advancing knowledge, but also for improving public policy and education, combatting disinformation, protecting our planet, and creating a foundation from which research can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, approved by the governments of 193 countries in 2021, has established an important international framework for policies and practices in Open Science;

2. Open science programs such as SciELO protect and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in both research and society;

3. The sustainable, resilient, pioneering work of the SciELO Network is an important achievement of our countries and has made a valuable, world-leading contribution to the progress of global Open Access to scientific knowledge in its various modalities.

We urge that:

1. National research systems expand and strengthen their Open Science policies, programs, practices, and actions to better serve vital research needs and the challenges facing society;

2. Leaders in different Open Access programs focus on ensuring that their programs maximize the impact of Open Science, and ensure good ethical practices, while also protecting and promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility throughout the research cycle;

3. National research systems adopt decentralized models of Open Science through the development and operation of geographical and thematic cooperation networks, taking into consideration the success of the SciELO network and recognizing that Open Science has many diverse forms that can vary by field, institution, and region.

These networks should promote and strengthen the equitable development of research capabilities and infrastructures in Open Science and facilitate the sharing of Open Science experiences and best practices.

SciELO Network, September 25, 2023