New forms of governance
Following the World Conference on Science (1999), UNESCO launched the Science Policy Fora initiative in 2003 to promote quality policy dialogue on the new roles and challenges for scientific knowledge in today’s global society. The initiative encompasses:
- the World Science Forum - held every two years in Budapest (Hungary) since 2003 - provides a forum for debate on the interface between science, knowledge and society;
- the Inter-Parliamentary S&T Policy Fora – launched by UNESCO and partners in 2003 to strengthen the role of legislation in promoting science. By 2011, regional fora had been convened for parliamentarians in several regions.
World Science Day for Peace and Development (launched by UNESCO in 2001) on 10 November each year offers an opportunity to stress the responsible use of science for the benefit of society and promotes a commitment to science based on awareness and public understanding. To popularize science, UNESCO organizes scientific meetings, supports science exhibitions and awards science prizes. It provides technical assistance and training for the development and management of science centres and science museums. One example is the National Science Museum in Sana’a (Yemen).