World Science Day

Date: Sunday, 10 November 2024; 22nd Anniversary. Ashbrook School will mark the occasion on Friday 8th November.

Sponsor: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

Purposes: The World Science Day for Peace and Development is annually celebrated for the following objectives:

to strengthen public awareness of the role of science in promoting sustainable development and paving the way for peaceful societies.
to promote national and international solidarity for shared science between nations.
to renew local and international commitment to using scientific knowledge and technology to benefit societies.
to draw attention to the challenges faced by science in raising support for scientific endeavours.

Inception: World Science Day for Peace and Development was observed for the first time on 10 November 2002.

History:

The Day was initially proposed in 1999 by the delegations of Ethiopia and Malawi at the World Conference on Science in Budapest, Hungary.

In November 2001, the 31st Session of the UNESCO General Conference officially proclaimed 10 November of each year World Science Day for Peace and Development (UNESCO31/Resolution 20).

How to Observe the Day

Since 2002, the World Science Day for Peace and Development has generated many projects, programs, and funding for science worldwide. It has also helped foster cooperation between scientists living in different regions.

Individuals, institutions, and organisations worldwide are highly encouraged to organise a range of events or activities on the day to promote public awareness of the role and importance of science, such as conferences, lectures, seminars, group discussions, and social media campaigns.

Each year, the United Nations selects a specific theme as the focus of the celebration.