Origin, Vision and Mission
By the end of the 20th century, science and knowledge became essential parts of Mankind's everyday lives. Scientific knowledge is not only the result of Humanity's inherent curiosity and scientific endeavor, it is a powerful means of understanding human nature, society, and the Nature in which humans live. Advance in science is a major contributor to society's socio-economic development, the global welfare of humankind, man's relation to Nature, and the quality of life.
In past centuries the predominant role of science was the production of new knowledge to satisfy the curiosity of the human mind. In recent years, the role of science has undergone changes, as scientific inquiry has increasingly become the motor of development in society. By the end of the 20th century, science has acquired a number of new roles. These novel roles may – and should – contribute in a decisive manner to the daily life of humankind in the 21st century.
In spite of its spectacular development and new opportunities, the science of 21st century faces wavering confidence, unseen dilemmas and brand-new questions. These problems can be solved only if the main procedures and users of knowledge are able to reach common ground for the new roles of knowledge and science in 21st century's global Society.
These issues have been discussed by the first World Conference of Science, organised by UNESCO and ICSU, with the participation of over 2000 delegated from 186 countries on 26 June – 1 July 1999 in Budapest, Hungary.
As a follow-up to the World Conference on Science the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (HAS), in partnership with UNESCO and ICSU, initiated a unique forum series for a much needed genuine debate and hopefully lasting interaction between the scientific community and Society. Three members of HAS played a key role in establishing the World Science Forum series: István Láng, the organiser of the 1999 World Conference of Science; Balázs Gulyás, the founding director of the WSF series; and E. Sylvester Vizi, the then president of HAS. At present the President of World Science Forum is Professor József Pálinkás President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Mission of WSF
– To provide major stakeholders with a global forum for dialogue on science and its role and responsibility in the 21st Century.
– To better understand and promote the need for science and scientific advice in political and economic decision-making.
– To exchange views and ideas on how to communicate science and its basic values to the society at large and to the various stakeholder groups.
Read more about this topic: World Science Forum
Famous quotes containing the words vision and/or mission:
“A novel is a mirror carried along a high road. At one moment it reflects to your vision the azure skies at another the mire of the puddles at your feet. And the man who carries this mirror in his pack will be accused by you of being immoral! His mirror shews [sic] the mire, and you blame the mirror! Rather blame that high road upon which the puddle lies, still more the inspector of roads who allows the water to gather and the puddle to form.”
—Stendhal [Marie Henri Beyle] (1783–1842)
“I cannot be a materialist—but Oh, how is it possible that a God who speaks to all hearts can let Belgravia go laughing to a vicious luxury, and Whitechapel cursing to a filthy debauchery—such suffering, such dreadful suffering—and shall the short years of Christ’s mission atone for it all?”
—D.H. (David Herbert)