World Science Day for Peace and Development

Celebrated every 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also highlights the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.

By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science. It also underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable.

The Day offers the opportunity to mobilize all actors around the topic of science for peace and development – from government officials to the media to school pupils. UNESCO strongly encourages all to join in celebrating World Science Day for Peace and Development by organizing your own event or activity on the day.

Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow:

In August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2024–2033 the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, underscoring the essential role of science in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. This initiative recognizes that achieving the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda and beyond will require not only advances in knowledge and innovation but also stronger partnerships between science, policy, and society.

Against this backdrop, the 2025 World Science Day will provide a vital platform to consider what kind of science—and what kind of relationship between science and society—will be essential to meet future challenges, with UNESCO at the forefront of this effort.

Fostering Science for All

The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024 – 2033) is a global movement to unlock that potential. Led by UNESCO, it promotes science as a common good fuelling innovation, inclusion, and collaboration across borders. Together, we’re building a future that is more just, resilient, and informed for people and the planet alike.

Background

Since its proclamation by UNESCO in 2001, World Science Day for Peace and Development has generated many concrete projects, programmes, and funding for science around the world. The Day has also helped foster cooperation between scientists living in regions marred by conflict—one example being the UNESCO-supported creation of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization (IPSO).

The rationale of celebrating a World Science Day for Peace and Development has its roots in the importance of the role of science and scientists for sustainable societies and in the need to inform and involve citizens in science.

The first World Science Day for Peace and Development was celebrated worldwide on 10th November 2002 under UNESCO’s initiative. The celebration involved many partners, such as governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations, UNESCO National Commissions, scientific and research institutions, professional associations, the media, science teachers, and schools.

For Nepal, World Science Day is a day to highlight the vital role of science and technology in the country’s development. Nepal also celebrates a National Science Day on Asoj 01 to recognize science’s contribution to nation’s progress. During World Science Day, events and initiatives are often organized to raise public awareness about scientific advancements and their impact on daily life. Moreover, Nepal has recognized the importance of science and technology for economic and social progress, implementing plans to bolster scientific research and development to help alleviate poverty.

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology and various other institutions in Nepalorganise events like seminars, webinars, and awareness campaigns to discuss emerging scientific issues, share the contributions of scientists, and highlight how science can address societal challenges.  (By R.P. Narayan)