Henry Richardson, Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown, Kennedy Institute affiliate and editor-in-chief of Ethics has been appointed by the Director General of UNESCO to a four-year term on the World Commission on the Ethics of Science and Technology (COMEST).

As a forum for reflection, COMEST advises the Organization on specialized questions submitted to it. In the implementation of its mandate, COMEST pays particular attention to areas of social importance and makes every effort to identify and promote ethical principles in the fields of science and technology. Following from this, COMEST also aspires to formulate international policy objectives that foreground the ethical stakes of science and technology with a view to strengthening international collaboration and solidarity. Currently, COMEST is working on the issue of global warming.

COMEST is composed of 18 eminent experts in fields of science, philosophy, culture, and politics who are appointed in their personal capacities by the Director General of UNESCO in consultation with the Chairperson and National Committees.