UK Week Of Science and Peace 2001 (UKWOSP2001)

SGR: Promoting ethical science and technology

UK Week Of Science and Peace: 5 - 11 November 2001

UKWOSP2001 comprises autonomous events, from 5 to 11 November 2001, which promote the constructive and peaceful use of science and technology. It is coordinated by Scientists for Global Responsibility. A list of confirmed events may be seen at UKWOSP2001Events.html

Background

UKWOSP2001 is a UK national initiative which acts as a transition between the International Week Of Science and Peace (IWOSP), which operated for fifteen years to 2000, and the World Science Day for Peace and Development, which is expected to be organised by UNESCO from 2002 onwards. UNESCO's Feasibility study on this proposal is in the public domain. (After following this link, scroll down the page and click on document 162EX/11.)

The spirit of UKWOSP2001 is the same as that of IWOSP. This is expressed in a 1988 UN General Assembly Resolution on Science and Peace

Invitation to Participate

Following the vicious attacks using hijacked aircraft in the USA, and the many calls for an indiscriminate, warlike response, there is a need, even greater than hitherto, for the promotion of peace, justice and sustainable development. SGR's view on this matter is expressed in a recent Statement, which brings out several of the ways in which science and technology are important factors in those problems. More generally, the UN 'Science and Peace' resolution 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 spirit of UKWOSP2001 is the same as that of the Science and Peace resolution. The purpose of the Week is to increase the public impact of individual, autonomous events by publicising them as part of UKWOSP2001. Events can be large or small, local or not. Suitable events range from small informal discussion gatherings to large conferences. Other kinds of event, such as lectures, films shows and vigils are also suitable. The core condition is that the event should make a contribution to promoting the constructive and peaceful use of science and technology.

UKWOSP2001 can help the advance publicity and subsequent reporting of your event. An impression of suitable events can be had from the IWOSP2000 page of this website, which reports on the UK events which contributed to IWOSP2000.

If you are involved in, or know of, an event which has potential for inclusion in UKWOSP2001, please contact UKWOSP2001's coordinator Alan Cottey

Send correspondence about the web-site to webmanager@sgr.org.uk