• International Days
• International Week of Science and Peace

The International Week of Science and Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1986, with the aim of underscoring the pivotal role of science in encouraging peace and sustainable development globally: scientific advancements can contribute to building peaceful societies, encouraging collaboration among nations, and promoting the responsible use of scientific knowledge.

There are some key goals to focus on:

• Promoting the peaceful applications of science: it emphasizes how research and technology can be directed towards peace-building, disaster relief, and addressing urgent challenges like climate change and public health crises.
• Fostering international cooperation: encouraging collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and communities to advance shared goals that contribute to peace and global security.
• Raising awareness of the social and ethical implications of scientific advancements: it encourages dialogue about responsible scientific practices.
• Inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science and engage in discussions about the role of science in shaping a better future.

Throughout the International Week of Science and Peace, various events take place worldwide. Conferences and workshops are an occasion to bring together scientists, policymakers, and educators in order to discuss the intersection of science and peace, share research findings, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Educational initiatives are also a significant part of the observance, with schools and universities hosting special activities to engage students in conversations about the importance of science in promoting peace, the ethics of research, and the responsibilities of scientists. Public outreach campaigns may also be launched by organizations to inform the public about the contributions of science to societal well-being and global peace efforts.

An important instrument in this field is the UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers: since scientific research is linked to global issues, it’s essential to ensure its benefits extend to society and the planet.

This guideline provides a comprehensive framework that highlights the importance of academic freedom, social responsibility, transparency, respect of ethical principles, open access, equal opportunities and contributions to global challenges.

Sources:

https://www.un.org/en