World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated every year on 10 November. It highlights the important role of science in society and its relevance in our daily lives. This day is also known as World Science Day.
By linking science more closely with society, the day aims to ensure that the public are kept informed of developments in science. It also highlights the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of our planet and in making our societies increasingly sustainable.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works with people, government agencies and organisations to promote the World Science Day for Peace and Development each year. The success of the dDay depends on the active involvement of many partners, including governmental and non-governmental organisations, the science community, teachers and schools. UNESCO encourages the organisation of your own event on their website.
The objectives of World Science Day for Peace and Development are to:
- Strengthen public awareness on 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 and raising support for the scientific endeavour.
2020 Theme: “Science for and with Society in dealing with COVID-19”
In 2020, the Day will be focusing on the theme of “Science for and with Society in dealing with COVID-19”. Throughout this heath crisis, UNESCO has endeavoured to bring science closer to society and to bolster the critically needed international scientific collaborations.