World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated every year on 10 November to highlight important role of science in society and the need to engage the public in discussions on emerging scientific issues. The day also emphasizes the relevance of science in daily life and its contribution to building peace, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing global cooperation.
Theme 2025
Theme: “Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050”
Key Highlights of Theme
- Trust: Encourages people to trust science as a reliable source of knowledge in an age of misinformation and fake news.
- Transformation: Stresses that science is a powerful tool for change, especially in solving global challenges like climate change, health crises, and digital transformation.
- Tomorrow: Calls for using science to shape a sustainable and equitable future aligned with the UN’s 2050 Vision and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year’s theme focuses on strengthening confidence in scientific evidence, ensuring inclusive innovation, and preparing for future global challenges through responsible science.
History and Background
- The concept of World Science Day originated at the World Conference on Science (WCS) held in Budapest, Hungary (1999).
- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) officially proclaimed the day in 2001.
- The first World Science Day for Peace and Development was celebrated globally on 10 November 2002.
Why 10 November?
The date marks UNESCO’s commitment to ensuring that scientific advances benefit all of humanity and that citizens are aware of scientific progress and its societal impact.
Objectives
World Science Day aims to:
- Bridge the gap between science and society.
- Promote scientific literacy and public engagement in science-related debates.
- Showcase how science contributes to peace, sustainable development, and innovation.
- Strengthen international scientific cooperation and dialogue.
- Encourage ethical use of scientific knowledge for the welfare of humanity.
Significance
- Promotes trust in scientific data and evidence in policymaking.
- Highlights science’s role in achieving global goals such as poverty reduction, environmental protection, and health advancement.
- Fosters international collaboration between researchers, institutions, and governments.
- Encourages youth participation in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- Reinforces UNESCO’s mission to make science more inclusive and accessible for developing nations.
India’s Participation
- India, a founding member of UNESCO, celebrates World Science Day through:
- Vigyan Prasar (under the Department of Science and Technology – DST), which conducts awareness campaigns.
- ISRO, CSIR, and DRDO, which organize public outreach programmes, exhibitions, and science fairs.
- The day aligns with India’s constitutional duty (Article 51A(h)) to develop a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
Key Facts
| World Science Day Observed on | 10 November (every year) |
| Declared by | UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) |
| Year of Proclamation | 2001 |
| First Observed | 10 November 2002 |
| Origin Event | World Conference on Science, Budapest (1999) |
| Organizing Agency | UNESCO |
| UNESCO Headquarters | Paris, France |
| UNESCO Founded | 16 November 1945 |
| Current UNESCO Director-General (as of 2025) | Khaled El-Enany |
| Type of Day | International Observance |
| Associated SDGs | SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Innovation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace & Justice) |
| India’s Implementing Body | Department of Science & Technology (DST), Vigyan Prasar |
| Related Indian Policy | Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020 |