…UNESCO advocates for increase funding for research/innovation
By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, on Monday called on scientists and stakeholders in science sector to explore more ways to make the world a better and brighter place for humanity’s future because more work lies ahead.
Speaking at the celebration of the World Science Day (WSD) in Abuja, the Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Asanye, admitted that there is no doubt that the has made much scientific progress over the years, but more work lies ahead of us, adding: “Therefore, I urge all of us to explore ways in which we can further the cause of science in our nation.”
The Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay in her remark at the event, said it is urgent to increase funding for research and ensure that everyone has access to quality scientific education.
According to her, UNESCO reaffirms its conviction that open, inclusive and justly supported science is the cornerstone of lasting peace.
The Minister further pointed out that the WSD is an annual event that underscores the significance of science in our everyday life, while also emphasizing its part in creating a brighter future for humanity.
He said, “The objectives of the World Science Day are to strengthen public awareness on the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies, promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries, renew global commitments for the use of science and for the benefit of societies, draw attention to the challenges faced by scientists and raising support for the scientific endeavours amongst others.
“Today, we gather again to celebrate the impact of science to the world. The theme emphasizes the limitless potentials of science to transform the entire world through collaboration and collective action. In other words, science is universal and everyone can benefit from it.
“As we commemorate the World Science Day today, we acknowledge the critical role played by science and technology in promoting peace and sustainable development.”
According to him, the scientific achievements, innovations and advancements are testaments of great efforts of our scientists, researchers and innovators, adding that there is no doubt that we have made much scientific progress over the years.
“But more work lies ahead of us therefore I urge all of us to explore ways in which we can further the cause of science in our nation.
“Together, let us foster a spirit of innovation and collaboration that transcends across regional boundaries and unites us in our common mission.” He said.
In her presentation, the UNESCO Director, acknowledged that science is essential to peace-building because it offers practical, sustainable solutions to contemporary global challenges.
She said: “By seeking responses to climate crises, epidemics and resource shortages, science helps to mitigate the root causes of many conflicts.
“Beyond providing technical solutions, science forges a common language in which concord prevails over division.
“It creates unique opportunities for international cooperation, as illustrated by the International Centre for Synchrotron Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) in Jordan, which brings together scientists from throughout the Middle East, under the auspices of UNESCO.”
According to her, the World Science Day for Peace and Development celebrates this impetus, which is reinforced by the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024- 2033) proclaimed last year by the United Nations and placed under UNESCO’s leadership.
This decade, she added encourages collaboration in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by increasing synergies between basic, applied and human sciences, and by strengthening cooperation in this area between governments, United Nations agencies, the private sector and civil society.
Azoulay, said: “Collaboration between all stakeholders is essential, and making this dialogue accessible to as many people as possible is precisely one of the key focuses of open science.
“In line with this aim, the Recommendation on Open Science (2021) promotes equitable access to scientific data, funding and equipment.
“UNESCO also supports the work of women scientists, who currently account for only a third of the world’s researchers.
“For 25 years, the partnership between UNESCO and the L’Oréal Foundation has supported the careers of over 4,400 women scientists in 140 countries.
“In 2024, UNESCO also launched a call to action to raise awareness in the scientific community of the need to promote the inclusion of women in research.” She said.
