The United Nations (UN)’s World Science Day for Peace and Development is annually observed across the globe on 10th November to highlight the role of science in society and the need to engage the general people in discussion about rising scientific concerns.
- 10th November 2024 marks the observance of the 23rd edition of World Science Day for Peace and Development.
- The 2024 observance was held under the aegis of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development ( 2024-2033).
Theme:
i.The theme of World Science Day for Peace and Development 2024 is “Youth at the Forefront”.
ii.The theme aligns with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033).
iii.This focuses on engaging young people and non-scientists in exploring science’s impact in our digital world, allowing them to interact with scientists about real-world challenges.
Background:
i.In 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO), proclaimed the 10th November of every year as the World Science Day for Peace and Development.
ii.The first-ever World Science Day for Peace and Development was observed on 10th November 2002.
iii.In August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed the period 2024-2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.
Webinar 2024:
i.UNESCO organised a webinar on ‘Why Science Matters – Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures’ with specialists to showcase the crucial role of science in both society and our everyday lives.
ii.This aims to engage the public in scientific discussions and highlight the impact of science on our daily lives.
UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science:
i.The UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science, created in 1951, is the oldest prize of UNESCO.
ii.The prize was established using a donation from Mr Bijoyanand Patnaik, Founder and President of the Kalinga Foundation Trust in India.
- The prize is currently funded by Kalinga Foundation Trust, Government of Odisha.
iii.The award carries a cash prize of USD 40,000 and a UNESCO Albert Einstein Silver Medal.
iv.The 2023 prize was awarded to Prof. Ana Maria Cetto from Mexico on November 13, 2023.
International Week of Science and Peace 2024 – November 9 to 15
International Week of Science and Peace 2024 was observed from 9th to 15th November 2024.
i.The UNGA adopted resolution 43/61 in December 1988, which proclaimed the “International Week of Science and Peace”, to take place each year during the week in which 11 November falls.
ii.The International Week of Science and Peace was first observed in 1986 as part of the observance of the International Year of Peace.
- The annual observance of the week contributes to the promotion of peace.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO):
Director General(DG)– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established– 1945
Members– 193 members and 11 Associate members
