Science plays a vital role in development

On December 29, the General Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova, affirmed that UNESCO successfully ended the 2010 International Biodiversity Year and opened it. International Year of Chemistry 2011.

UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova. (Photo: Getty Images)

In the New Year's Message 2011, Bokova emphasized the continued success of such "international years", highlighting the vital role of science in understanding human habitat and in development and peace. .

These successes also demonstrate the commitment of the international community to deeply participate in scientific topics, while acknowledging UNESCO's role as a driving force in these processes.

UNESCO has organized mobile conferences and exhibitions not only in science but also in culture due to the organic connections between cultural diversity and biodiversity, contributing to the success of the conference of the parties. The United Nations Convention on Biodiversity in Nagoya City, Japan, in October 2010, encourages research and biodiversity conservation in 564 biosphere reserves in 109 countries.

The UNESCO Director-General also emphasized that activities marking "international years" have set long-term historical milestones.

The 2011 International Year of Chemistry will create a springboard for greater scientific ambitions. Chemistry is present everywhere in everyday life and just like biological and chemical diversity is part of the " quietly unnoticed environment " that humanity must better understand.

Science in general and chemistry in particular is a strategic lever to develop, a great tool of peace through international cooperation among researchers around the globe. Green "chemistry" for sustainable development and discoveries in chemistry help mankind overcome the challenges of climate change and develop new energy sources instead.