UNESCO World Science Day for Peace and Development 2013 celebrated at Città della Scienza in Naples
On Saturday 9 November, the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Venice (Italy) celebrated the World Science Day 2013 in Naples, in collaboration with the IDIS Foundation. The role of Science for a responsible society was discussed with emphasis on the “Science for Peace” also addressing the open conflicts in the Middle East and Mediterranean area. The WSDPD celebration had also a special motivation since it was the official “re-opening” of the exhibition center at “Città della Scienza” after the devastating arson in March 2013.
Established in 2001 by UNESCO, the World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD) is celebrated worldwide on 10 November each year to recall the role of science as a factor of peace between peoples, emphasizing the role of science in the creation of an inclusive and sustainable society in which all citizens participate in a critical and conscious way. The WSDPD 2013 took also into account the role of science for peace, addressing the winds of war which continue to sweep countries in vast areas of the globe, in particular in the Mediterranean and Middle East, dramatically marking the fate of entire nations and communities which are facing exodus.
The UNESCO Venice Office and the IDIS Foundation jointly organized on 9 November the WSDPD 2013 at Città della Scienza in Naples. As part of the annual festival “Futuro Remoto” (Remote Future) which marked the re-launch of the science promotion activities of the center, the event had special significance after the arson that struck the center’s exhibition facilities on 4 March 2013. The half-day meeting was introduced by V. Lipardi (Città della Scienza), M. Scalet (UNESCO Venice Office), C. Piscopo (City of Naples), and A. Di Pippo (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
The concept of responsible science based on the ethical behavior of the single scientist as a necessary but not sufficient condition for a concrete improvement of the situation has been discussed among the invited experts M. Martellini (Center on International Security-ICIS, Insubria University), M. Nasreddine (ME and North Africa Strategic Studies Center) and Père J.M. Laurent Mazas (Holy See Council of Culture, Corte dei Gentili) during the first session introduced and chaired by M. Scalet. The fundamental role and responsibility of the governments and their political decisions have been recalled, as well as the central value of individuals, with their rights and dignity.
A number of projects on science education and communication implemented in the Mediterranean and Middle East have been presented by B. Battrawi (A.M.Quattan Foundation), L. Amodio (Città della Scienza) and R. Conte (Ngo COASIC). A poster session on projects of cooperation in the field of science was arranged at the WSDPD venue.
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