World Science Day for Peace and Development 2024

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared World Science Day for Peace and Development (UNESCO 31 C/Resolution 20). Celebrated annually on 10 November, the Day 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.

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.

Since UNESCO declared the Day in 2001, it has generated concrete programmes projects, and funding for science around the world and fostered cooperation between scientists living in regions experiencing conflict.

 The theme of the UNESCO celebration of the World Science Day for Peace and Development 2024 is: Why Science Matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures. 

In August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed the period 2024-2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development. In this context, the 2024 UNESCO World Science Day event will present an opportunity to question distinguished scientists about the ways in which science affects our daily lives and contributes to finding solutions to the most pressing local and global challenges.