The World Science Day for Peace and Democracy is celebrated on November 10th. This celebration, established by UNESCO in 2001, is an opportunity to explain to the public what is the role that science play in our everyday life.
The World Science Day for Peace and Democracy gives us a chance to reaffirm our commitment to achieve the objectives stated in the two documents adopted during the World Conference on Science, organised by UNESCO and the International Council for Science in 1999 in Budapest: the Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge, and the Framework for action.
Thanks to this celebration day, people all over the world will learn more about scientific progress and our planet as well as the way in which we can make our societies more sustainable.
Here you can find some of the most recent themes addressed: sustainable science (2012), towards green societies (2011), science for the rapprochement of peoples and cultures (2010), and astronomy. This year’s theme will be “Science for Water Cooperation: Sharing Data, Knowledge and Innovations”- 2013 has been declared as the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation.
“Water resources pay no heed to borders–our cooperation must be guided by the spirit of solidarity. Together, we can harness the full power of water to strengthen human dignity and build a better future for all. This is UNESCO’s message today.” This was the message delivered by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on the matter.
Every year, on November 10th, non-governmental organisations, scientific research institutions, local authorities and schools organise several events to celebrate scientific knowledge, setting up projects and programs aiming at funding scientific research or establishing new universities and research bodies.
The celebration of the World Science Day for Peace and Democracy has also boosted cooperation between scientists, particularly those living in conflict areas. The establishment of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organisation (IPSO) with the support of UNESCO is an example of this.
UNESCO offers a wide range of resources to celebrate the World Science Day: every year, people can access UNESCO’s website and freely download a poster, which is available in different versions. In addition, UNESCO issues an open access, quarterly magazine titled “A World of Science”, addressing several contemporary issues such as biodiversity protection, water resources management and climate change.
The World Science Day for Peace and Democracy aims at making science a tool for peace among peoples, raising awareness among the public on the importance of a sustainable society as well as a direct and conscious participation by each individual, bridging the gap between science and societies.
Useful links:
World Science Day for Peace and Development (UNESCO page):
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/world-science-day-for-peace-and-development/world-science-day-2012/
World Science Day for Peace and Development (UN page):
http://www.un.org/en/events/scienceday/index.shtml
A World of Science:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/resources/periodical/a-world-of-science/
Proclamation of World Science Day for Peace and Development:
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001246/124687e.pdf#page=51
