Background and rationale

The organization of a focused event related to the commitment on science and society as one of the positive outcomes of the World Conference on Science was evoked during the Budapest meeting. It was considered an opportunity to reaffirm each year the commitment to attaining the goals proclaimed in the Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge http://www.unesco.org/science/wcs/eng/declaration_e.htm and to follow up the recommendations of the Science Agenda: Framework for Action http://www.unesco.org/science/wcs/eng/framework.htm

The rationale of celebrating a WSDPD has its roots in the importance of the role of science and scientists for sustainable societies and in the need to inform and involve citizens in science. In this sense, a WSDPD would offer an opportunity to show the general public the relevance of science in their lives and to engage them in discussions. Such a venture would also bring a unique perspective to the global search for peace and development.