World Science day for Peace and Development

NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE NEED TO HARNESS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19.

Tuesday, November 10, marks the World Science Day for Peace and Development. The day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the benefits of science. The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has been working with individuals, government agencies and organisations to promote the application of scientific knowledge in solving the world’s problems. The emphasis has also been to make science and technology affect daily life. It is refreshing to note that some governments and for that matter, nations have in the past used the World Science Day to publicly affirm their commitment to increase support for scientific initiatives that help society. The day also occasions the launch of new science policy programmes together with scientific institutions, civil society organisations, universities and schools.

Indeed, the significance of this day for the survival of the human race cannot be overemphasised considering the crucial role science plays in our entire life. What makes the day more significant is the linkage to peace and development. Basically, these are the sine qua non to meeting our basic needs as humans. It is undeniable the fact that no nation can ever develop without science and peace. Generally, science is valued by society because the application of scientific knowledge helps to satisfy many basic human needs and improve living standards. Finding a cure for diseases and a clean form of energy are just two typical examples.

Similarly, science is often justified to the public as the driving force of economic growth. During the past few decades, however, another important goal of science has emerged: to find a way to rationally use natural resources to guarantee their continuity and that of humanity itself, an endeavour that is currently referred to as sustainability. For all intents and purposes, World Science Day for Peace and Development demands the utmost attention of all stakeholders especially given the times we find ourselves in.

The global theme for the celebration this year which is “Science for and with society in dealing with covid-19” speaks volumes. The Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged many countries and threatens to wipe out the entire human race if pragmatic steps are not taken to stem the tide. As it stands now, there still has not been any universally acceptable drug for its cure, a jigsaw which only science can find an antidote to. Therefore the day must serve as the rallying point for scientists across the globe to up their game in developing a vaccine for this pandemic as was done in the case of HIV when the antiretroviral therapy was discovered.

For us in Africa, this is the time for us to stand up and be counted. We cannot continue to lack behind in almost all spheres of life. The numerous science and allied institutions in Ghana must lead the way by becoming the paradigm players they ought to be. Having said that, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation must fulfill its lofty mandate as the name suggests. In practical terms, the sector ministry should be in the position to coordinate academia and industry by making use of research findings to bring the much-desired relief to the people. The seeming lack of activity by the sector ministry on this august occasion is ample testimony that cannot be glossed over.

In times like these, we need leadership to offer hope to the failing souls. The Ghanaian media also stand accused of not trumpeting much on the commemoration of this year’s World Science Day and its significance to the nation. The media is a powerful entity not only for the constitutional mandate but also the ability for agenda-setting. It is on this score that the media must be seen championing the cause of human development in all aspects of life, whether big or small. Despite the electioneering fast beckoning, the media should not always be awash with politicking whereby equally important sectors are relegated to the background.

Collectively, we need to double up our efforts to catch up with the rest of the world. Occasions such as World Science Day for Peace and Development should serve as a useful exercise for sober reflection on how far we have come and the next step towards our survival.

BY: WILLIAM OWUSU BOATENG, A JOURNALIST.