Celebrating world science day

As the world celebrates this year’s World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD), UNESCO has dedicated the day to underscore the importance of water in all aspects.

This year’s theme is Science for Water Cooperation: Sharing Data, Knowledge and Innovations.

In her message to mark the day, Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, said even though there is enough water in the world, the challenge is to share and manage it sustainably and together,  “We believe that sharing data, knowledge and innovation is key to the sustainable management of water. Cooperation brings new ideas, it catalyses innovative solutions and it fosters new ways of working,” she said.

Speaking further the UNESCO DG said; “Together we will continue to strengthen the link between science and policy, in order to make the most of scientific cooperation as a force for peace and development. Water resources pay no heed to borders – our cooperation must be guided by the spirit of solidarity. Together, we can harness the full power of water to strengthen human dignity and build a better future for all. This is UNESCO’s message today.”

She added that one of the reasons behind the theme is that, in Africa, drought is one of the leading impediments to development, “The continent is heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture and hence affected by climate variations. Recurring drought conditions in many regions of Africa have had devastating humanitarian impacts and impose significant reductions in gross domestic product for countries whose economies are tied to agriculture,” she explained.

The WSDPD was established by UNESCO in 2001 and celebrated worldwide on November 10 each year. The celebration offers an opportunity to demonstrate to the wider public why science is relevant in our daily lives, by throwing bridges between science and society, the aim is to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science, while underscoring the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable.

The purpose of the WSDPD is to renew the national, as well as the international commitment to science for peace and development and to stress the responsible use of science for the benefit of society. The World Science Day for Peace and Development also aims at raising public awareness of the importance of science.

The WSDPD’s objectives are: to strengthen public awareness on the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies, to promote national and international solidarity for a shared science between countries, to renew national and international commitment for the use of science for the benefit of societies and to draw attention to the challenges faced by science and raise support for the scientific endeavor.

Every year, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, scientific research institutions, professional associations, universities, municipalities, the media, science teachers, schools and others are encouraged to organize their own celebration of World Science Day.

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