Science for future peace and development

On 10 November, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrated the World Science Day for Peace and Development 2015, launching the 2015 UNESCO World Science Report. Every five years, the World Science Report highlights worldwide trends in science, technology and innovation.

In her remarks on World Science Day, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova called for a better understanding of science, using applicable tools to monitor global progress, and to share data and scientific knowledge worldwide. Especially within the last years, national and regional projects to address the increasing risk of droughts, flooding, hurricanes and other natural hazards and to reduce disaster risk have been recognized.

Furthermore, Ms. Bokova strengthened the importance of science, “We cannot manage our natural resources sustainably and halt biodiversity loss without sound data and a good understanding of natural cycles, ecosystem services and functions, and the impacts of human activities. In order to address the critical global challenges that hinge on science, including food and water security, energy and climate change, both scientists and policy makers must be mobilized.” 

The World Science Day was established 2001 by UNESCO and is celebrated worldwide each year on 10 November to publicly demonstrate the relevance of science.

Read more: Science for a Sustainable Future