10 November 2012: Irina Bokova, Director-General, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), called for a greater global focus on scientific development, in a message on World Science Day for Peace and Development. Bokova highlighted the role of science in building global sustainability, suggesting that science is “our best asset for supporting inclusive and equitable development” at a time of uncertainty.

This year’s theme, “Science for Global Sustainability Interconnectedness, Collaboration, Transformation,” aims to highlight the world’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent cultural, economic, political and social systems, both in terms of their potential for solutions and the pressure these place on ecosystems. The theme also reflects the interconnectedness of challenges such as eradicating poverty, reducing natural resource conflicts and supporting ecosystem and human health.

In light of these interconnections, Bokova called on government, civil society, public and private actors, to mobilize to realize “the full potential of all sciences for development and peace, which are inseparable and essential for the future that we want.”

UNESCO established the World Science Day for Peace and Development in 2001 with the aim of renewing global and national commitments to science as a tool to benefit society and promote peace and development. The Day also seeks to raise public awareness on the importance of science and to bridge the gap between science and societies. [UN Press Release] [UNRIC Press Release] [UNESCO Website for Day]