World Science Day – November 10

November 10 is celebrated annually as World Science Day for Peace and Development. It was established by UNESCO in the year 2001 with the aim to renew national, as well as the international commitment to science for peace and development and to stress the responsible use of science for the benefit of society. Another purpose of observing the World Science Day for Peace and Development is to spread public awareness of the importance of science and to bridge the gap between science and society. As science plays a significant role in our lives, this day stresses the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. On this day, people are informed about the numerous developments in science through various platforms. The role of scientists is also appreciated for making us understand the mysteries of this remarkable planet and also for making it sustainable. A number of events are held all over the world on this day involving everyone from government officials to media as well as students and teachers. Schools celebrate this day by organizing exhibitions and competitions in which students participate with great enthusiasm. The objectives of World Science Day for Peace and Development are to: Strengthen public awareness on the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies; Promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries; Renew national and international commitment for the use of science for the benefit of societies; Draw attention to the challenges faced by science and raising support for the scientific endeavour. This year’s theme for World Science Day is ‘Science for global understanding’. There is no denying the fact that global understanding is imperative for peace and sustainable development. It promotes the sharing of knowledge by individuals and local communities for change in actions for the betterment of mankind. Science is thus, at the heart of global understanding as it not only helps us understand the world and each other, but it also assists in designing, developing and implementing the change we aim for. Flavia Schlegel, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences said, "An important contribution that UNESCO and science & technology centres can bring to global understanding is the unique opportunity to combine global sustainability and local action. The dialogue among science, policy, and everyday lives should be constant and multidirectional. Global sustainability can learn so much from best practices and success stories." World Science Day was first celebrated on November 10, 2002, and has since been actively supported by many global organizations and governments.