Science, a Human Right, Celebrated every 10 November the World Science Day highlights the important role of science in society and the need to engage the public broadly in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also further underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.
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 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, UNESCO declared.
The statement from Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, adds that “this World Science Day for Peace and Development 2018, UNESCO urges everyone to exercise their human right to participate in and benefit from science. This right is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, but it is only when we use this right to join and support scientific endeavors that we can transition to stronger science and reinforce scientific culture in our societies. UNESCO also calls on governments, businesses, civil society and scientists to fully embrace the values of responsible and ethical science, by fully implementing the 2017 UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific
Researchers. Together, we should strive for greater access to science education – particularly for girls – as well as support Open Science and innovative ways for advancing research.”
The theme for 2018 is “Science, a Human Right”, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (art. 27), and of the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers. Recalling that everyone has a right to participate in and benefit from science, it will serve to spark a global discussion on ways to improve access to science and to the benefits of science for sustainable development.
The Assistant Director-General for the Natural Sciences, Flavia Schlegel, also added that, everyone has a right to participate in and benefit from science, and science centers and museums play an important role in making science accessible to all. The centers and organizations believe in UNESCO’s objectives of linking science more closely with society, sharing scientific knowledge and fostering the engagement of young people in science, technology and innovation.
In the year that the world celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UNESCO puts the Human Rights at the heart of the World Science Day for Peace and Development and reaffirms its support to science centers, science museums and regional networks partnering with the Association for Science and Technology Centers.
Join the conversation with the hashtags #ScienceDay and #Right2Science