International Week of Science and Peace: significant role of science in society – Tehran Times

Report on the Role of Science in Advancing Peace and Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: The Nexus of Science, Peace, and Sustainability

• This report outlines key international observances that highlight the critical relationship between scientific progress, global peace, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Emphasis is placed on the International Week of Science and Peace and World Science Day for Peace and Development as catalysts for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

2.0 International Week of Science and Peace: A Foundation for SDG 16

The International Week of Science and Peace, established by UN General Assembly resolution 43/61 in 1988, serves as a foundational initiative linking scientific advancement with global stability and security.

1. Historical Context: First observed in 1986 during the International Year of Peace, the week is held annually during the week of November 11th to formalize the connection between science and peace.
2. Core Mandate and SDG Alignment: The observance directly contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by:
   • Encouraging academic exchanges and public awareness regarding the links between science, technology, peace, and security.
   • Urging Member States to foster international co-operation among scientists, a key tenet of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
   • Promoting the dissemination of information to support informed societies and robust institutions.

3.0 World Science Day for Peace and Development: Engaging Society for the Goals

Celebrated annually on November 10th since its inception in 2002 under UNESCO, World Science Day for Peace and Development broadens the focus to include the integral role of science in achieving sustainable societies.

• Primary Objectives:
  • To strengthen public awareness of the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies.
  • To promote national and international solidarity and partnerships for shared scientific knowledge.
  • To renew commitment at all levels for the application of science for the benefit of society.
• Contribution to the 2030 Agenda: The day’s activities are instrumental in advancing multiple SDGs:
  • SDG 4 (Quality Education): By engaging the public, media, and school pupils in scientific debates, it fosters scientific literacy and supports inclusive education.
  • SDGs related to Environment (e.g., SDG 13, 14, 15): It underscores the role of scientists in broadening our understanding of the planet and developing solutions for environmental sustainability.
  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): It highlights the relevance of scientific innovation in daily life and for building resilient, sustainable societies.

4.0 Future Outlook: The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development

The United Nations has designated 2024–2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, signaling a long-term commitment to leveraging science for the 2030 Agenda and beyond.

1. Strategic Focus: The decade aims to address global challenges by strengthening the interface between science, policy, and society. This directly supports the implementation mechanisms of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
2. 2025 World Science Day Theme: The theme “Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050” will provide a platform to define the scientific frameworks and partnerships necessary to meet future challenges.
3. Conclusion: This initiative recognizes that achieving all 17 SDGs requires not only scientific innovation but also a fundamental transformation in the relationship between science and society, built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The article discusses issues and initiatives that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals. The primary themes of promoting peace through science, fostering international cooperation, and leveraging scientific advancement for sustainable development link to the following SDGs:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The core theme of the article is the “International Week of Science and Peace” and its role in the “promotion of peace” and the “maintenance of peace and security.” This directly aligns with the overarching goal of SDG 16 to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article repeatedly emphasizes the importance of collaboration. It calls for Member States, “intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations,” and scientists to cooperate. It highlights the need for “stronger partnerships between science, policy, and society” and mobilizing “all actors” to achieve goals, which is the central tenet of SDG 17.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The initiatives described aim to educate and raise public awareness. The article mentions encouraging “greater academic exchanges,” the “dissemination of information,” and ensuring “citizens are kept informed of developments in science.” Engaging “school pupils” is also explicitly mentioned, connecting the themes to SDG 4’s goal of inclusive and equitable quality education.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article underscores the “significant role of science in society” and the link between “progress in science and technology” and development. The declaration of the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development” to foster “advances in knowledge and innovation” connects directly to SDG 9’s focus on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

Specific SDG Targets

Based on the article’s content, several specific targets under the identified SDGs can be pinpointed:

1. Target 4.7

   “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.”

   Explanation: The article’s focus on generating “greater awareness of the relationship between science and peace among the general public” and engaging “school pupils” directly supports the promotion of a culture of peace through education and public information campaigns.

2. Target 9.5

   “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.”

   Explanation: The article highlights the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development” and the need for “advances in knowledge and innovation.” It also urges “international co-operation among scientists,” which is fundamental to enhancing scientific research globally.

3. Target 16.a

   “Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, to help build capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.”

   Explanation: The General Assembly’s resolution urges Member States to “promote international co-operation among scientists” to maintain “peace and security.” This cooperation strengthens the global institutional framework for peace, aligning with the spirit of this target.

4. Target 17.6

   “Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge-sharing on mutually agreed terms…”

   Explanation: The article explicitly calls for Member States to “promote international co-operation among scientists” and encourages “greater academic exchanges on a subject of universal importance,” which directly reflects the goal of this target.

5. Target 17.17

   “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.”

   Explanation: The celebration of World Science Day is described as involving a wide range of partners, including “governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations, UNESCO National Commissions, scientific and research institutions, professional associations, the media, science teachers, and schools.” This mobilization of diverse actors is a clear example of the multi-stakeholder partnerships this target aims to promote.

Implied Indicators for Measurement

While the article does not mention specific, formal SDG indicators, it implies several ways that progress towards the identified targets could be measured:

• Number of Events and Activities

  The article mentions that organizations are encouraged to “sponsor events and activities” and that UNESCO encourages all to join in “by organizing your own event or activity.” The number and reach of these events serve as a direct indicator of engagement and public awareness efforts (relevant to Target 4.7).

• Level of Multi-Stakeholder Participation

  The text lists numerous types of partners involved in World Science Day. An indicator would be the number and diversity of participating entities (“governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations,” etc.), which measures the strength of partnerships (relevant to Target 17.17).

• Reports on Activities and Initiatives

  The article notes that the UN Secretary-General is required to “report to the General Assembly… on the activities and initiatives of Member States and interested organizations.” The content and frequency of these reports are a formal indicator of international cooperation and action (relevant to Target 16.a and 17.6).

• Volume of Academic Exchanges

  The Week is said to encourage “greater academic exchanges.” The number of international scientific collaborations, joint research projects, and academic conferences focused on science for peace and development could be tracked as an indicator of progress (relevant to Target 9.5 and 17.6).

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: tehrantimes.com