Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 15 November 2023

UNESCO

PRESS RELEASE

World Science Day for Peace and Development 2023

Islamabad, 15th November 2023 — In order to commemorate ‘World Science Day’ in Pakistan, UNESCO in collaboration with the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), and ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) organized a Convention of Scientists at Pakistan Science Foundation on the 15th November 2023 in Islamabad to raise awareness around the quality and equitability of Pakistan’s STEM education system.

Since 2001, World Science Day for Peace and Development, is celebrated to highlight the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging and important contemporary issues relevant to science. This year’s global theme of the Day is focused on ‘Building Trust in Science’.

The role of science in shaping our collective future can only be fulfilled when there is a foundation of trust in science. This trust is what drives the development and application of evidence-based solutions to address the many complex challenges facing our world. Building trust in science is a complex issue, influencing both how scientists carry out their work and how society views the field of science. Also, enhancing trust in science strengthens the basis for science-based policy decisions and society’s support for their application.

During the event, in their remarks, Dr. Youssef Filali-Meknassi, Director UNESCO, Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, S. I., Chairman PSF, Dr. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President, ECO Science Foundation, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS and Dr. Abida Raza, Technical Director, National Center of Industrial Biotechnology, PMAS- Arid Agriculture University highlighted the importance of STEM education in Pakistan.

The event was attended by government officials, scientists, researchers, science communicators, and science journalists.

In connection with this year’s World Science Day, three interactive sessions for students are organized on 15 and 16 November 2023 at the Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad. These sessions are focused on hands-on activities like extracting DNA from fruits, effective laboratory and science communication, and fun with inertia. These sessions will help to build the interest of students in STEM fields.

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Media contact for UNESCO:

Anam Mansuri +92 (51) 260 0242