World Science Day for Peace and Development is an international observance celebrated annually on November 10 by UNESCO. The day aims to highlight the importance of science in society, encourage citizens to participate in discussions on emerging scientific issues, and emphasize science’s contributions to daily life and the sustainability of communities.
Purpose
World Science Day for Peace and Development seeks to foster a closer relationship between science and society. Its purpose is to inform citizens about scientific developments and to make visible the contributions of scientists to the protection of our planet and the sustainability of societies. Activities mobilize all stakeholders, from government officials to media organizations, from educational institutions to students, regarding the role of science in peace and development, thereby facilitating understanding of science’s societal impacts.
History
The origins of the day trace back to the World Science Conference held in Budapest in 1999. At this conference, it was decided that commitments regarding the relationship between science and society should be reaffirmed annually, following the recommendations of the “Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge” and the “Science Agenda: Framework for Action.” The first World Science Day for Peace and Development under UNESCO’s auspices was celebrated on November 10, 2002. The celebrations involved governments, intergovernmental and civil society organizations, UNESCO National Commissions, scientific and research institutions, professional associations, media, science teachers, and schools. The day has also supported projects and financial initiatives promoting collaboration among scientists living in peace across different regions, contributing to initiatives such as the UNESCO-supported Israel-Palestine Science Organization (IPSO).
Significance
World Science Day for Peace and Development underscores the critical role of science in sustainable societies. It highlights the contributions of scientists and scientific knowledge to peace and development while informing the public about scientific issues and enabling participation in discussions. This allows societies to make informed decisions and recognize the role of science in daily life and future planning. The day also emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration, and societal awareness facilitated by science.
Themes and Global Celebrations
The theme for 2025 is “Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050,” emphasizing future scientific needs and the importance of the science-society relationship. In August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2024–2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development. This initiative underscores the need to strengthen scientific knowledge, innovation, and policy-society interactions for the 2030 Agenda and beyond. World Science Day for Peace and Development 2025 provides a global platform to discuss the science-society relationship and identify future needs. UNESCO encourages worldwide participation in the celebrations to strengthen trust, collaboration, and inclusivity between science and society.
World Science Day for Peace and Development (United Nations)
Global Activities
Global activities organized for World Science Day for Peace and Development involve all stakeholders and include scientific conferences, panels, seminars, public engagement programs, and workshops. The day promotes projects that foster interaction between scientists and society, highlights science’s contributions to sustainable development and peace, and seeks to enhance public trust in science.
Celebrations in Türkiye
In Türkiye, World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated through the cooperation of UNESCO Türkiye National Commission, various universities, and scientific institutions. Nationwide events, including conferences, seminars, and educational programs for students, aim to increase public interest in science and raise scientific awareness. Celebrations in Türkiye also aim to demonstrate the role of science in societal development and peace, facilitate direct communication between scientists and the public, and encourage young people’s participation in scientific activities.
