As the 2021 International Week for Science and Peace begins, the UN has directed attention to the importance of science to society and daily living.

The science week, starting on November 11 falls highlights the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues.

“It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives,” the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said on its website.

Giving more insights into the essence of the commemoration, UNESCO added, “By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science.

“It also underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable.”

According to UNESCO, the 2021 commemoration billed for November 9 to November 15, with high points on November 10 – the World Science Day for Peace and Development calls attention to building climate-ready communities.

This is coming even as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) is still ongoing in Glasgow, with world leaders gathered to chart the best way to address climate change.

To buttress its 2021 focus on climate change, the UN body said, “With climate change becoming a serious threat to the lives of billions of people and the planet, in 2021, the celebration will highlight the importance of ‘building climate-ready communities.”

The first in the series of events held on November 5 also doubled as a ceremony for presenting the UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Science Popularization to winners.

(NAN)