By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
UNESCO has called for stronger scientific collaboration to address global challenges and promote peace and sustainable development.
Dr Isaías Barreto da Rosa, UNESCO Country Representative to Nigeria, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2026 World Science Day (WSD) for Peace and Development celebration.
UNESCO and the UN Information Centre (UNIC) supported the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to commemorate the day.
The theme of the day was: “Common Ground Through Science Diplomacy.”
Da Rosa was represented by Dr Enang Moma, Head of UNESCO’s Science Sector in Nigeria.
Science diplomacy involves using scientific knowledge and collaboration to strengthen international relations.
Da Rosa said it was essential in addressing challenges such as climate change, flooding, biodiversity loss and food insecurity.
“The practice of science diplomacy encompasses a variety of intersections that are formed at the interface of scientific systems and diplomatic relations.
“The principles of science diplomacy is enforced on human rights, on open science, on equity, on inclusion, on fairness, and on transparency.
Da Rosa, however, warned that scientific collaboration could deepen inequalities between developed and developing countries if not guided by principles of equity, inclusion, transparency, human rights and open science.
He said UNESCO was ready to support Nigeria in developing science diplomacy strategies, promoting evidence-based policymaking, strengthening research collaboration and advancing open science.
Dr Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said the difference between developed and developing countries was reflected in their capacity to harness science, technology and research for development.
Represented by Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the ministry,Udeh said the ministry was working with its agencies and state governments to strengthen innovation, skills acquisition and the commercialisation of research outputs and deploy them for national growth.
According to him, the ministry is also promoting partnerships to expand science and technology development across the country, including through skills acquisition centres.
Udeh called for stronger international partnerships, noting that scientific diplomacy would promote the exchange of ideas, mutual understanding and peaceful relations among countries.
Mr Agoro Olayiwola, Director of Science and Technology Promotion, represented the Permanent Secretary.
The Permanent Secretary,said science was fundamental to peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
He said science and technology were critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification, job creation and efforts to improve citizens’ quality of life.
The celebration is observed annually to highlight the importance of science in society and encourage the use of scientific knowledge to address contemporary challenges.(NAN)
Edited by Uche Anunne
Comments