While it was formulated with basic research as its primary focus, its principles and goals can apply to all types of science. The declaration draws upon, refers to and supports various already existing initiatives. It is a call to widely support new ways in science. The declaration currently consists of 10 goals, which are supported by its signatories.

There have already been two socio-political appeals in the longstanding history of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, each presented on Mainau Island, the traditional venue of the last meeting day. The Mainau Declaration 1955 was an appeal against the use of nuclear weapons. During the 65^th Lindau Meeting 2015, 36 Nobel Laureates initially signed the Mainau Declaration on Climate Change as an urgent warning of the consequences of global warming.