Today, Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre joins with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate World Science Day for Peace and Development.
“I am delighted that the UN has declared the 2016 UN Day for Science for Sustainability and Peace an International Day of Science Centres and Science Museums, and in doing so, given recognition of science centres and science museums working together can be a force for good in the world,” said Questacon Director, Prof Graham Durant.
“Science centres globally are working to inspire, excite and motivate young people and connect them across many geographical, economic, political, racial or religious borders or boundaries. “Around the world today, science centres and museums will engage in activities that are relevant to one (or more) of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) declared by the United Nations.” To celebrate this important occasion, Questacon in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre, will be hosting a Diplomatic Family and Friends social event. Close to 600 diplomatic guests from 48 countries will attend as well as representatives from the Australasian museum sector.
“Questacon is committed to the SDGs, and have themed the Diplomatic Family and Friends social event evening around the 17 goals,” said Prof Durant.
The highlight of the evening will be a link from Questacon to the UNESCO launch of the International Science Centre and Science Museum Day in Paris at 8 pm.
In preparation for the Day, Questacon has highlighted the ways in which experiences within the Centre support the SDGs, for example the H2O exhibition which will now include a focus on the sixth SDG, Clean Water and Sanitation.
Invited guests will participate in a number of hands-on activities within The Shed including building model sustainable cities using recycled materials and making wind turbines. In Q Lab guests will engage in experiments to understand how climate affects the world we live in.
Media contact: Department of Industry, Innovation and Science 02 6213 6308 or media@industry.gov.au
