TEHRAN –The ninth festival of ‘Science for All’ under the theme of "Biological-Cultural Diversity" will kick off virtually on November 11.

Celebrated annually on November 10, 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 underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.

On this occasion, ‘Science Promotion Week’ is celebrated in Iran from November 11 to 16 by holding various programs, IRNA reported.

Introducing science recounts of natural phenomena, plant, and animal species in each climate, along with recounts on regional traditions and customs; the coexistence of man and nature; and efforts of local communities to deal with environmental problems are parts of the festival.

The World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to strengthen public awareness of the role of science in peaceful and sustainable societies; promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries; renew national and international commitment to the use of science for the benefit of societies; draw attention to the challenges faced by science in raising support for the scientific endeavor.

By linking science more closely with society, the Day 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.

It also 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 their own event or activity on the day.

The 2023 theme of World Science Day for Peace and Development is ‘Building trust in Science’.

The role of science in shaping our collective future can only be fulfilled when there is trust in science. It is trust in science that fuels the development and application of evidence-based solutions to our world’s multifaceted challenges.

Trust in science is a complex issue. It affects the way in which scientists operate and the way science is perceived by society. Also, enhancing trust in science strengthens science-based policy decisions and society’s support for their application.

World Science Day for Peace and Development  

The organization of a focused event related to the commitment to science and society was one of the positive outcomes of the 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest.

 It was considered an opportunity to reaffirm each year the commitment to attaining the goals proclaimed in the Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge and to follow up the recommendations of the Science Agenda: Framework for Action.

Since its proclamation by UNESCO in 2001, World Science Day for Peace and Development has generated many concrete projects, programs, and funding for science around the world.

The rationale for celebrating 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.

 In this sense, World Science Day for Peace and Development offers an opportunity to show the general public the relevance of science in their lives and to engage them in discussions. Such a venture also brings a unique perspective to the global search for peace and development.

The first World Science Day for Peace and Development was celebrated worldwide on 10 November 2002 under UNESCO auspices.

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.

MT/MG