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"Concern
for man himself and his fate must always form the chief interest
for all technical endeavor... in order that the creation of our
minds shall be a blessing and not a curse for mankind. Never forget
this in the midst of your diagrams and equations". A. Einstein
1931
Scientific
progress has been marked by considerable advances in knowledge and
by ever-wider applications in the various domains of social life,
accompanied by a great improvement in living conditions. However,
in spite of the considerable potential offered by the present application
of science, entire populations are living in poverty and a worldwide
deterioration in the environment presents a serious threat to human
survival. The bulk of scientific potential is still concentrated
in a limited number of countries which alone possess the means to
conduct research in certain fields, especially the advanced fields,
and therefore hold the keys to the major development of the future.
Science, peace and development are interlinked. The greatest safeguard
for peace lies in ensuring that the benefits of science are made
available to all countries and to all people on an equitable basis.
For all these reasons, the celebration of World Science Day serves
to remind us what science is for, namely peace and development.
This annual occasion is a regular opportunity to reflect on how
science can best serve this purpose.
The celebration of World Science Day provides a good opportunity
to recall the national and international commitment to share knowledge
and to create a new solidarity between and within countries.
Furthermore, World Science Day and the activities which accompany
it, highlights the important contribution that scientific knowledge
makes to society, invites the public to participate in scientific
debates and encourages interest in scientific pursuits.
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Official
messages
Society
