November 10 was designated by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the World Science Day for Peace and Development in 2001 (UNESCO 31 C/Resolution 20). The day is recognized as a medium of highlighting the significance of science in society and the necessity to engage the public in debates concerning rising scientific issues, underlying the relevance of science in daily living. With science closely linked with society, WSDPD sees to it that citizens are regularly kept informed of developments in science. It is also marked to reveal the roles of scientists in broadening people’s understanding of the planet.
The appointment of an event that is committed to science and society was an outcome of the 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest. World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD) is therefore marked, every year, as a reaffirmation of the commitment to the attainment of the goals stated in the Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge and also to follow up closely with the recommendations of the Science Agenda: Framework for Action.
The int. day strengthens public awareness on the role of science.
World Science Day for Peace and Development aims towards strengthening public awareness concerning the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies; promotion of national and international solidarity for enablement of shared knowledge and scientific cooperation; renewal of national and international commitment for usage of science and benefit of societies; drawing attention to the challenges confronting science and rendering support for scientific endeavors. These aims are backed by the human right that enables everyone to participate in and benefit from science.
The importance of science communication for public participation and engagement further reveals that science centers and museums have more roles beyond provision of information on scientific issues, as they are also referred to places where people can come together to explore the mysteries that make up the world. They are also measures that aid the improvement of creativity, growth of scientific literacy, support of teachers to motivate their students in STEM, improvement of the quality of science education and promotion of learning experiences within a social context.
WSDPD has fostered cooperation between scientists of other regions.
The commemoration of WSDPD changes likely negative perceptions of the impact of science on society, thereby creating an attraction of science careers to youths and encouraging the experimentation and expansion of collective knowledge. The renewal of national and international commitment to science for peace and development emphasizes the responsible use of science for the benefit of society, and raising public awareness of its significance.
International scientific cooperation contributes to building peace as much as it contributes to scientific knowledge. Ever since the proclamation of November 10 as World Science Day for Peace and Development, there have been generation of many concrete projects, programmes and funding for science across the globe. The celebration of this day has also bred cooperation between scientists living in other regions separated by conflict. One of such cooperations is the creation of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization (IPSO) supported by UNESCO.
Science contributes to global peace and development.
The theme of World Science Day, November 10, 2022, is “Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development.” It celebrates the role of science in the promotion of global peace and development, and achievement of sustainable development goals. Inventions and discoveries of scientists aid the promotion of economic development, reduction of poverty, literacy, and better nutrition for people around the world. The day is commemorated to recall these achievements and keep up with investing in scientific education and research.
Related Link
UNESCO: Website
