Observed internationally on 10th November every year, World Science Day marks the importance of science in society, and the necessity of mass participation in science-based debates and discussions.
It also highlights the role of scientists in helping the general public understand the intricacies of our planet and promote sustainability.
This article enlists all the important details on this topic that will be helpful for IAS preparation. Individuals willing to crack the UPSC Prelims should also have a solid grip on the subject’s nitty-gritty.
Candidates preparing for the upcoming civil services exam must also refer to the List of Important Days and Dates in 2022 from the Prelims exam perspective.
World Science Day [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here
Latest Edition of World Science Day – 2021
The 20th edition of World Science Day was celebrated on 10th November 2021. This year, the event focussed on “Building Climate-Ready Communities” as its theme. With global warming and climate change gradually becoming a concerning issue for our fragile planet, 2021’s theme aimed to underline specific scientific approaches and technological solutions to combat the major environmental crises prevailing globally today.
The event reportedly started with a keynote speech on the primary threats to creating climate-ready communities, and then transitioned into a webinar on creating climate-ready communities.
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About World Science Day
In July 1999, the International Science Council, formerly known as the International Council for Science and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organised the World Conference on Science in Budapest, Hungary. Considering the importance of scientific literacy for efficient democratic undertakings, the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BSA), along with Malawi and Ethiopia’s delegations, voiced the proposal for a World Science Week or World Science Day.
Thereafter, these delegates formulated an action plan called “Science Agenda – Framework for Action”. This prompted a feasibility study on a Science Day for Peace and Development at the 160th session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in October 1999.
The board approved this study in the 162nd session in October 2000. Next, the UNESCO General Conference endorsed this study in its 31st session in 2001 and decided to declare 10th November as World Science Day for Peace and Development. It also encouraged UNESCO’s Member States, universities, professional associations, NGOs, learned societies, schools and research institutes to actively participate in this event that eventually took off in 2002 for the first time.
Objectives of World Science Day
As already mentioned, this day aims to connect science with society as much as possible to bring about sustainability to save our planet.
The event aims to succeed in this motive via the following objectives:
- Spread awareness among the wider public regarding the role of science in facilitating the creation of sustainable and peaceful democracies.
- Rejuvenate national and international responsibilities to benefit societies by utilising science.
- Strengthen international unity for shared sciences among nations.
- Address the challenges faced by science in developing such societies and raise support for scientific endeavour.
Themes of World Science Day
Keeping in mind the unique environmental and societal challenges faced globally with time, World Science Day has always come up with yearly themes to address specific issues.
Here is a table enlisting themes of this event over the last 10 years.
| Year | Theme |
| 2021 | Building Climate-Ready Communities |
| 2020 | Science for and with Society in Dealing with the Global Pandemic |
| 2019 | Open Science, Leaving No One Behind |
| 2018 | Science, a Human Right |
| 2017 | Science for Global Understanding |
| 2016 | Celebrating Science Centres and Science Museums |
| 2015 | Science for a Sustainable Future |
| 2014 | Quality Science Education : Ensuring a Sustainable Future for All |
| 2013 | Science for Water Cooperation: Sharing Data, Knowledge and Innovations |
| 2012 | Science for Global Sustainability: Interconnectedness, Collaboration, Transformation |
| 2011 | Towards Green Societies: Equity, Inclusiveness, Participation |
| 2010 | Science for the Rapprochement of Peoples and Cultures |
Knowing about these themes can help individuals prepare better for the upcoming IAS Exam and UPSC 2022.
However, UNESCO is yet to declare the theme for World Science Day 2022.
Global Impact of World Science Day
Since its proclamation, World Science Day has brought to action several steps to connect the society with science-based solutions via organisations and learned personnel. These steps involved providing the general public periodic updates on scientific and technological developments.
To further help this cause, scientists stepped up to impart knowledge concerning environmental challenges that our planet is facing currently, and solutions to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
This global event also encourages schools, research and scientific institutions, the media, UNESCO National Commissions, local authorities and science teachers to organise events to spread awareness and support this day’s cause. This topic also makes it to the UPSC Syllabus in a way to educate aspirants about its noble cause.
The yearly celebrations on World Science Day date by means of conducting programs and projects have helped fund scientific research and establishment of new research facilities and universities. Additionally, this has helped boost cooperation among scientists, especially those residing in conflict-ridden areas. An excellent example of this development is the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization (IPSO), created with UNESCO’s aid.
That was all the significant pointers on World Science Day. UPSC and IAS exam aspirants can opt for expert guidance for further updates on current affairs and study materials on the topic.
For any further exam updates, study material or preparation tips, candidates can turn to BYJU’S for assistance.
World Science Day [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here
Frequently Asked Questions on World Science Day
Q 1. What were the topics of the panel discussion on World Science Day 2021?
Q 2. When was the World Science Day 2021 webinar held? What was its purpose?
Its primary objective was to discuss climate change and its effects on human lives worldwide. At the same time, it brought to light solutions formulated by UNESCO and some of its primary partners to overcome these environmental issues.
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