Science, the pillar of strength for peace and development

By Pramod DE SILVA

The two words ‘Peace’ and ‘Development’ go hand in hand, because peace is essential for development. We have first-hand experience of this truism. For 30 long years, terrorism stifled development in the North and the East and affected development, to some extent, in the other regions as well. Now that peace has been restored, development has come to the fore in all areas of the country.

However, there is no development without technological advances. In fact, practically everything that we take for granted in our lives, from light-bulbs to cars to microwave ovens, is a result of scientific research and innovation. Thus science (and technology) can be described as the bedrock of development.

The International Space Station, a project where many countries work together for a common goal

Science, however, can be used for both good and bad purposes. In fact, the very same technology could be a double-edged knife. Atomic energy is a prime example. It could be used to build a nuclear weapon (remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki?) or a nuclear power station. There should be a thrust towards using science only for good causes.

The UN has recognised the role of science as a facilitator of peace and development. This concept is reflected in the proclamation by the UNESCO General Conference in 2001, of the World Science Day for Peace and Development on November 10 every year. It is also known in some countries as the International Science Day.

The purpose of the World Science Day for Peace and Development is to renew the national, as well as the international commitment to science for peace and development and stress the responsible use of science for the benefit of society. The World Science Day for Peace and Development also aims at raising public awareness of the importance of science and to bridge the gap between science and societies.

Protecting environment

These principles are embodied in the UN ‘Science and Peace Resolution’ which addresses all the main aspects of the relation between science and peace. It affirms the role of science in:

*Promoting international peace, security and co-operation;
* Promoting human rights;
* Promoting the social and economic development of mankind;
* Protecting the environment.

The Day is also an occasion to remember the UNESCO’s mandate and commitment on science. Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova said: “2012 must be a turning point towards green societies, built on the inclusive and equitable development of science to the benefit of all.”

Science is necessarily an international endeavour, especially in cases where one country alone cannot fund the next frontiers of research and innovation. The International Space Station is one such international project, with many countries working together for the common goal of improving space exploration. Even a mission to Mars now looks increasingly likely to be a collaboration of the leading space agencies.

However, before we reach out to the stars, there are many other worthy projects that can get off the ground right here on Earth. The recent climatic disasters around the world including Hurricane Sandy in the United States show that we are yet to unravel the mysteries of nature, despite having the technology to wipe out the planet itself in a matter of hours. Although there is a debate as to whether the likes of Sandy are caused by climate change per se, the entire world is facing that threat. This is another instance where countries should work together to advance the common goals of science.

Some of the best science inventions have originated from university labs

A good start can be made from schools, where science is often taught as a theoretical subject. An effort must be made to inculcate the value of science as a tool for peace and development in the real world among students. They will then be motivated to undertake research projects that benefit society later on.

This is also why governments must encourage student inventors. Many Sri Lankan students have won worldwide acclaim in this endeavour and their efforts should be further encouraged. Our universities too should be centres of excellence for research- related activity - some of the best inventions have originated from university laboratories around the world.

Climate of peace

It is true that science can destroy lives, but it is equally true that it can save lives in a climate of peace. Vaccinations alone have saved more human lives than any other invention. A major challenge before the world is feeding nine billion people by 2050.

The problem is that farming methods in Africa are just not developed enough to cope. But science is coping – scientists have just successfully developed a strain of virus-resistant cassava, which will go a long way in feeding people. In Asia, the race is on to find better yielding and disease-resistant rice varieties.

This also means that by boosting the products of plants, scientists can develop new areas in the food industry - these stronger plants can be used in animal feed and for other purposes. It creates jobs as well, paving the way for a new bio-economy. However, to come back to our topic, if most of Africa’s (and indeed elsewhere in the world) conflicts end tomorrow, millions more can be saved from disease, starvation and death.

We hear of new inventions every day. Fortunately, most of them are directed at peaceful uses. Ironically, even defence and war-related inventions can later permeate to the civilian realm. This includes the Internet, through which some of you will be reading this article. Radar is another military invention that has saved countless lives. The idea here is that inventions in the defence sphere could turn out to be surprisingly useful for everyday life.

However, that takes away the glaring reality that the world spends a staggering amount of money on weapons and wars. Even if a fraction of these funds can be diverted to science and development, the world will be a much better place. If the rich world can afford to cut down on their defence expenditure and help the Third World through science and development projects, that would be a major victory for those who advocate science strictly for peaceful uses.