The United Nations (UN)’s International Week of Science and Peace(IWOSP) is annually observed across the globe during the week in which November 11th falls.
The observance of the International Week of Science and Peace increases the contribution and cooperation in the application of science in promoting science and peace.
- The observance of the IWOSP encourages academic exchanges on a subject of universal importance and generates awareness of the relationship between science and peace.
The International Week of Science and Peace 2021 is celebrated from 8th to 14th November 2021.
- IWOSP 2020 was observed from 9th to 15th November 2020.
- IWOSP 2022 will be observed from 7th to 13th November 2022.
History:
i.The first International Week of Science and Peace was first observed from 10th to 16th November 1986 as part of the observance of the International Year of Peace.
ii.Following the successful observance, the UN recognised this week in 1988.
UN recognition:
i.In December 1988, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted a resolution and proclaimed that the International Week of Science and Peace will be observed annually during the week in which November 11 falls.
ii.The first UN’s International Week of Science and Peace was observed in 1989.
UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers:
i.The UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers is an important standard-setting instrument that codifies the goals and value systems by which science operates and also emphasizes the need to support and protect these for science to flourish.
ii.The Recommendation was adopted in 1974, and a revised Recommendation was adopted on 13 November 2017.
iii.It stresses the importance of two issues:
- the need to ensure the free circulation of scientific data.
- the need to provide scientists with adequate financial and institutional support.
iv.The implementation of the Recommendation in the Member States is monitored by the UNESCO governing bodies.