World Science Day for Peace and Development or more simply — World Science Day is celebrated annually on November 10 to raise public awareness around the world of the benefits of science, and also serves as a reminder to the international community about the need to use scientific and technological achievements in the interests of peace and development for the benefit of human civilization.
Also among the goals of Day — is the renewal of national and international commitments in the field of science for peace and development and the intention to emphasize the responsible use of science for the benefit of society; raising public awareness of the importance of science and closing the gap between science and society. This Day highlights the importance and relevance of science to everyday life.
Although this Day is not a holiday, each country hosts events related to World Science Day. Its holding was recommended in 1999 at the World Conference on Science held in Budapest, where the need for closer interaction between science and society was expressed.
Following the agenda of the 1999 conference, UNESCO formally established World Science Day by proclaiming it at a general conference in 2001. Globally, the Day was first celebrated on 10 November 2002 and has been widely celebrated worldwide ever since.
UNESCO annually carries out a lot of work with government organizations, scientific and educational teams, and the population to disseminate knowledge about the significance of World Science Day. Major holiday activities include:
– Open days to highlight the important role of science in achieving peace and development;
– Holding round tables and seminars to highlight the impact of science and technology on everyday life;
– Distribution of World Science Day posters to educational institutions, campus communities and local community organizations;
– Organization of visits to museums and thematic exhibitions;
– Visits to general education schools and vocational institutions to give lectures on science and its role in society.
In addition, throughout the unprecedented crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, UNESCO, as a UN agency with a mandate in the field of science, has sought to strengthen international cooperation in the scientific field. UNESCO's COVID-19 activities focus on three main areas: promoting international scientific cooperation, ensuring access to water and supporting environmental protection measures.
The popularization of science is essential for the involvement of citizens in society. In this regard, research centers and museums are not just sources of information about scientific achievements. They are a place where people are given the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Visiting a museum or scientific center enriches us with knowledge and develops our creative thinking. Excursions to research centers and museums serve as an excellent addition to curricula, develop young people's interest in science, and help get rid of false ideas and myths about scientific progress.
The governments of some countries are coinciding with World Science Day by adopting programs in support of science and scientific initiatives, and are also starting new scientific and technical projects together with scientific organizations, schools and universities. In addition, every year the Day’s events are dedicated to a specific topic.
Let us remind you that Russian Science Day is celebrated annually on February 8, the day when Peter I signed the Decree on the formation of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Arts.