World Science Day

THE World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD) is annually held on November 10 to raise awareness of the benefits of science worldwide. The WSDPD is also known as World Science Day.

The WSDPD celebrations include promoting awareness toward science and its development:

Open days to highlight science’s important role in peace and development;

Classroom discussions to emphasise how science and technology affect daily life;

Arranged science museum visits to commemorate the day; and

Visits to local schools on careers in science or scientific presentations.

Some governments have, in the past, used World Science Day to publicly affirm their commitment to increased support for scientific initiatives that help society, as well as launch new science policy programs together with scientific institutions, civil society, universities and schools. Through science we have discovered many vaccines, and other medical, methods. Technology has been major part of current development and boost the economy of all nations.

It was recommended at the World Conference on Science in Budapest in 1999 recognition was required for a new compact between science and society.

It was discussed at the conference that a World Science Day would help strengthen commitments to attain the Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge’s goals and to pursue the Science Agenda: Framework for Action’s recommendations.

Following the World Conference on Science, UNESCO established the WSDPD through a proclamation at a general conference in 2001. The WSDPD was to be served a reminder of the organisation’s mandate and commitment to science.

NEELZ SINGH

Nelson, New Zealand