UN, CERN celebrate science for peace and development
The event was the last in a series of celebrations organized by CERN to mark its 60th Anniversary.
“Whether we are trying to address climate change, stop the Ebola virus, deal with cybersecurity threats, or curb nuclear proliferation, we need scientists with a clear vision and a commitment to work together to find solutions," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
“As we pursue these hugely important efforts, we can be inspired by the work done by CERN. The world faces multiple crises. But this is also an era of opportunity, where great achievements are possible thanks to science, technology and innovation," he said.
“Science has the potential to significantly impact all three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental,” said Martin Sajdik, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). “The international community must consciously and deliberately work to ensure that advances in science and technology have positive effects towards that end”.
“CERN is delighted to celebrate its 60th anniversary at and with the United Nations,” said CERN Director-General Rolf Heuer. “With this event we wish to promote a more effective dialogue between science and international affairs, and to openly exchange views on how science can be more integrated into global and national decision-making processes for the benefit of all.”
Under the chairmanship of the President of ECOSOC, the event included a series of keynote addresses from eminent scientists and world leaders, including keynote addresses by Nobel Physics Prize Laureate Professor Carlo Rubbia and Kofi Annan, Chairman and Founder of the Kofi Annan Foundation and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who underlined the role that science has played in peaceful collaboration, innovation and development.
“We must strengthen dialogue and collaboration between the world of science and the world of politics and diplomacy,” said Annan. “It is crucial that we harness the wealth of scientific information available, make sure that it reaches policymakers, and is integrated in decision-making processes”.
The UN strongly supports science and its role in society, and in 2012 CERN was granted observer status to the UN General Assembly.
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