As declared by the UNESCO in 2001, November 10th of every year is celebrated internationally as the world science day for peace and development. This special day helps highlight the importance of science and to create a debate among the public on emerging scientific issues around the world. And also the World Science Day is used to link science with the people so that they become aware of latest development, scientifically enabling them in the global drive towards the sustainable development goals.
As stated by UNESCO the main objectives of the World Science Day are;
- Strengthen public awareness on the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies;
- Promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries;
- Renew national and international commitment for the use of science for the benefit of societies;
- Draw attention to the challenges faced by science and raising support for the scientific endeavor.
This year the theme of the world science day is “Science, a human right” . This theme was declared in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In a special statement for the World Science day, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO says,
“This World Science Day for Peace and Development 2018, UNESCO urges everyone to exercise their human right to participate in and benefit from science.
This right is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, but it is only when we use this right to join and support scientific endeavours that we can transition to stronger science and reinforce scientific culture in our societies.
UNESCO also calls on governments, businesses, civil society and scientists to fully embrace the values of responsible and ethical science, by fully implementing the 2017 UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers.
Together, we should strive for greater access to science education – particularly for girls – as well as support Open Science and innovative ways for advancing research.”
The ministry of science technology and research has organized several activities around the island to celebrate the world science day including a science film festival. The science film festival is screened in over 650 venues around the country in places like schools, Vidatha centers… etc, and was organized with the help of Goethe Institut. And also school level events like science discussions, lectures and exhibitions are also held across the country.
