World Science Day for Peace and Development is observed on November 10. It highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.
World Science Day for Peace and Development was proclaimed by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2001 (UNESCO 31 C/Resolution 20). 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.
History
The first World Science Day for Peace and Development was celebrated worldwide on 10 November 2002 under UNESCO.
The purpose of the Day is to:
- Strengthen public awareness of the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies;
- Promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries;
- Renew national and international commitment for the use of science for the benefit of societies;
- Draw attention to the challenges faced by science in raising support for the scientific endeavour.
The award distribution of UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Science Popularization is also done on this day. The Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science is an award given by UNESCO for exceptional skill in presenting scientific ideas to lay people. It was created in 1952, following a donation from Biju Patnaik, Founder President of the Kalinga Foundation Trust in India
Theme
2021 : Building Climate-Ready Communities
2020: Science for and with Society in dealing with Covid-19.
2019: Open Science, leaving no one behind
2018: Science, a Human Right
2017: Science for Global Understanding
2016: Celebrating Science Centres and Science Museums
2015: Towards green societies: equity, inclusiveness, participation