The United Nations’ (UN) Agenda 2030 sets out clear objectives for a globally sustainable society. Scientific knowledge plays an important role in this transformation. In advance of the G20 Summit on 18 and 19 November 2024 in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, the G20 science academies (Science20), including the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, have published the joint statement “Science for Global Transformation”. In the statement the academies recommend specific measures to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in areas including energy transition, artificial intelligence, bioeconomy, health, and social justice.