Since 2002, the 10th of November has been identified as World Science Day for Peace and Development. This day is dedicated to the importance of science in preserving and flourishing society’s fabric. The COVID-19 pandemic made the world realise what was really important for humanity’s survival. People learned, for example, the importance of helping one another in order for society to function properly.

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Science was another factor that contributed to its significance. Although it is nearly impossible to be unaware of the existence of science in society, the pandemic reignited the importance of science in our daily lives. The pandemic sparked a phenomenon, which is why World Science Day for Peace and Development was established.

It all began in Budapest in 1999 at the World Conference on Science. The conference planted the seed of a mentality, rather than an organisation, that solidified the concept of commitment: to science, its application, and the positive impact it has on society. The application of scientific knowledge to achieve humanistic and materialistic goals were highlighted. 

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Since UNESCO declared the day in 2001, it has sparked a slew of projects and programmes that have yielded positive outcomes. Sustainable development was pushed aside in favour of ruthless use of resources. Finally, on November 10, 2002, the day was commemorated around the world, with participants from all walks of life.

WORLD SCIENCE DAY FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT: SIGNIFICANCE 

The commemoration of World Science Day for Peace and Development honours the journey that has already been undertaken as well as the road ahead. Some of the goals of this day include highlighting the role of science in building a sustainable society, promoting scientific methods and their application to achieve peace, and facing the challenges along the way with commitment and focus. 

Science, as we all know, is the bedrock of information and knowledge. As a result, one of the goals of commemorating this day is to make society more aware and informed.

WORLD SCIENCE DAY FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT: THEME

‘Science for and with Society in dealing with the global pandemic’ was chosen as the theme for the World Science Day for Peace and Development in 2020. 

Even though the black swan event of 2020 was grim, there was a silver lining in that people organically became aware.

Now that the world is recovering from the pandemic’s wounds, the theme for this year is Climate Change, the greater evil that awaits us. This year’s theme will be ‘Building Climate-Ready Communities,’ to emphasise the importance of being climate-conscious and addressing the deteriorating health of our beloved planet.