The significant role of science in society and its relevance in our daily lives is celebrated today, Nov. 10, as World Science Day for Peace and Development, led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Since it was first celebrated in 2002, the World Science Day for Peace and Development had pushed many projects, programs and funding for science around the world. Today’s celebration is special because it is the beginning of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2034), marking an important step in global efforts to harness scientific knowledge for a sustainable future.
The celebration aims to “mobilize a wide range of scientific disciplines, including basic and applied sciences, social and human sciences, as well as interdisciplinary and emerging fields, to contribute to transformative change in societies, economies, and the environment.”
“By promoting scientific literacy and encouraging collaboration among governments, UN agencies, the private sector, and civil society, the Decade seeks to enhance science’s role in pursuing sustainable development goals and working toward a safer, more prosperous future for all,” UNESCO said.
This year’s theme is “Youth at the forefront” with programs that will encourage young people to discuss and explore the role of science in the rapidly-changing digitalized world.
“The rationale of celebrating a World Science Day for Peace and Development has its roots in the importance of the role of science and scientists for sustainable societies and in the need to inform and involve citizens in science. In this sense, a World Science Day for Peace and Development offers an opportunity to show the general public the relevance of science in their lives and to engage them in discussions. Such a venture also brings a unique perspective to the global search for peace and development,” a UNESCO statement emphasized.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in a message opening the 2024 celebration, defined the importance of science and peace: “Science is essential to peace-building because it offers practical, sustainable solutions to contemporary global challenges. By seeking responses to climate crises, epidemics and resource shortages, science helps to mitigate the root causes of many conflicts.”
She highlighted the fact that “beyond providing technical solutions, science forges a common language in which concord prevails over division. It creates unique opportunities for international cooperation, as illustrated by the International Center for Synchrotron Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) in Jordan, which brings together scientists from throughout the Middle East, under the auspices of UNESCO.”
The UNESCO encourages the collaboration of agencies and sectors of society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals “by increasing synergies between basic, applied and human sciences.”
This year, UNESCO launched a call to action to raise awareness in the scientific community of the need to promote the inclusion of women in research. “In a changing world, it is urgent to increase funding for research and ensure that everyone has access to quality scientific education,” the UNESCO director general said.
The celebration is a reminder for all sectors of society – from government officials to the media to school pupils –to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues.
As Ms. Azoulay emphasized in her remarks: “UNESCO reaffirms its conviction that open, inclusive and justly supported science is the cornerstone of lasting peace.”