TEHRAN – Celebrated annually from November 9 to 15, the International Week of Science and Peace contributes to global understanding and opportunities for cooperation in the applications of science for the promotion of peace.

The week raises awareness of the relationship between science and peace among the general public.

In Iran, science promotion week is being celebrated from November 8 to 14 by holding different programs including a two-day science exhibition on Saturday and Sunday. 

Also, the 25th science promotion award ceremony is scheduled to be held on the last day of the event. 

Promoting science refers to the attempt to reflect scientific ideas in a way that everyone can understand its basic concepts. In other words, science promotion involves any activity that aims to popularize science, expand scientific thinking and mindset, and make individuals interested in science and scientific activities.

World Science Day for Peace and Development 

During the week, on November 10, the World Science Day for Peace and Development will be celebrated.

The 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. The Day also underlines the importance and relevance of science in daily living.

This year, the day is observed under the theme of youth at the forefront.

It will present an opportunity to engage a wide-range audience, with a focus on young people and non-scientific participants in discovering and exploring the role of science in our rapidly-changing digitalized world.

Young people will have the opportunity to ask questions to distinguished scientists about the ways in which science affects our daily lives and contributes to finding solutions to the most pressing challenges that the world is facing from local to global levels.

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 underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of our planet and in making our societies more sustainable.

This year’s theme at UNESCO Headquarters is ‘Why Science Matters - Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures’. 

The Day has 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 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.

MT/MG