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ETHIOPIA Message
from on the occasion of the World Science Day for Peace and Development 12 November 2002 - Ghion Hotel
It is my privilege and honour to greet and welcome you to this symposium on behalf of the Commission and that of my own. The event is organized to honor "World Science Day" as per resolution No 20 of the General Conference of UNESCO proclaiming 10 November, of each year as "World Science Day". Today is November 12. "World Science Day" was actually to be observed on November 10 which was last Sunday. We chose to celebrate the occasion today for fear that if we were to hold it on Sunday social commitments and other problems may not allow some of our distinguished guests from participating in the event. I think UNESCO deserves appreciation for having proclaimed a day for Science recognizing the fundamental role Science plays in the development of mankind. The day also provides an opportunity to salute all scientists, past and present, for having contributed so much to the betterment of life on earth. However, we all realize that there remains much to be done; a fact that comes out vividly clear when we think of those countries, including ours, at the lower edge of the poverty line, the so called Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Mobilizing global science and technology to address the choking problems in the LDCs related to public health, agricultural productivity, environmental degradation and demographic imbalances is a challenge yet to be faced by the international community. Though the initiative and commitment has essentially to come from the countries themselves, the role that can be played by the international community is of critical importance. If the gap between rich and poor countries is to narrow, the knowledge divide must be bridged and that cannot be secured unless a consistent cooperative effort is in place by the industrialized countries. On top of the indirect contribution of science to peace, expressed in its actual and potential role in sustainable development, science also, I presume, inculcates in people a culture of reasoning and rational thinking, which directly facilitate harmony and peace among the various members of society. Illustration of the direct contribution of science to peace is rather too involved. But the converse is straightforward. Peace is obviously the corner stone for socio-economic development and progress in science and technology. While instability and loss of peace impedes progress, sustained peace surely accelerates progress and social development. It is for this reason that we attach particular importance for the theme of this year's event "Science for Peace and Development". We have here with us to address you eminent scholars, not only experts in their respective fields of specializations, but also with broad understanding of the theme of the Symposium. I would like you to join me in welcoming Prof. Reda Teklehaimanot, Prof. Ermias Dagne, Dr. Demisu Gemeda, Mr. Gunther Cyranek and Dr. Kinfe Abraha, who I understand will join us a little while later. I hope you will find the presentations, and the discussion to follow under the able chairmanship (moderation) of H.E. Prof. Mesfin Abebe stimulating and thought provoking. I would like to extend my personal gratitude and appreciation to the invited speakers who have given us their precious time in preparation for their presentations and all of you, distinguished participants, for honouring us by your presence. I would like to thank UNESCO for having sponsored the event at very short notice. Infact, I should extend my gratitude and personal appreciation to UNESCO for the continued assistance it availed to the Commission for its various activities in Science and Technology. I would also like to thank Ato Gizachew Woldeyes, Head of the S&T Popularization Department of the Commission and other members of the Department for efficiently handling the organization of this event in a rather short period of time. With this brief welcoming remark, I now declare the opening of the symposium. Thank you.
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