It is an occasion of World Science Day for renewing our commitment to the cause of science for peace and development across the world.
It is an occasion for renewing our commitment to the cause of science for peace and development across the world. It is an opportunity to renew our resolve for the noble purpose of advancing scientific knowledge and its practical application so that human beings everywhere can live their lives in complete peace and freedom in a dignified manner, said the Federal Minister for Science & Technology, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain while addressing at the occasion of World Science Day held at COMSTECH today morning.
He emphasized the need of free and equal availability of vaccines and suggested that it must not be allowed to be monopolized by anyone in the world.
Scientific and technological innovation had and will continue to drive massive global transformation and economic gains. We need a responsible science; where fruits of human ingenuity must reach to the one who needs them the most. Islamic concept of Ilm e Nafay (Knowledge which Benefit) should be the foundation of science, said Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH.
Science which was envisaged by great thinkers such as Ibn e Rushd, Ibn e Sina, Galileo and Newton, as common heritage of human intellect and an equalizer has unfortunately become a great divider, he lamented.
Dr. Iqbal said that this year’s theme of “World Science Day” invites us to go back to the basics, start looking science from the perspective of a philosopher, embrace the characteristics of logic, reasoning, conceptual rigor, and most importantly argumentation.
Two young talented science students from Nawabshah and Sargodha addressed at the occasion and shared their success with the audience which was highly appreciated.
Dr. Mirza Habib Ali from PSF proposed that Pakistan must hold a science week every year along with the world science day in his address.
Prof. Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro, President, ECOSF, emphasized the critical role of science communication. He said that that Science Communication is extremely critical for well-informed policy making on global complex challenges, such as climate change, food security and especially during the current pandemics. He urged that we must have a strong science communication system and capacities.
Dr. M. Aslam Baig, Secretary General, PAS, said that Pakistan must invest more in S&T to get a slot at the international level. Dr. Baig lamented that there is no national science day in Pakistan and proposed that we should celebrate national science day either on 29th January (birthday of Dr. Abdus Salam only Pakistani Nobel Laureate) or 21st November (the day he died) as national science day.
Ms. Patricia McPhillips, UNESCO Representative in Pakistan emphasized the criticality of sharing of scientific data openly with all stakeholders. As COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, crossing geographical borders, it reminds that we all live on one planet. Today, the world is in urgent need of the sharing of scientific information. UNESCO promotes the open science concept to encourage the exchange of global experiences and best practices. Ms. McPhillips specifically noted her appreciation for the two young students, who spoke at the occasion, on their achievements in winning international science awards.
UNESCO’s initiative to observe the World Science Day for Peace and Development every year since 2001, highlights the role science can play in promoting sustainability, said Amb. Fauzia Nasreen, Adviser, COMSATS and commended UNESCO for far sightedness.
Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Professor Emeritus, QAU, emphasized the need of science communication and the conduct of responsible science. He said that today the world is concurrently fighting with pandemic and infodemic. He concluded the event with vote of thanks. COMSTECH, UNESCO, COMSATS, PSF, ECOSF, and PAS jointly organized World Science Day for Peace and Development on Tuesday.