UNESCO Leading Role in the Celebration of the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT-2019)

Abstract

In accordance with United Nations General Assembly resolution, the year 2019 was proclaimed the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was designated as the lead organization for its implementation. At the present day, the UNESCO is the largest UN specialized agency with broad competence in providing interstate collaboration in the area of science, capable of playing a unique role for promotion of peace and sustainable development. The establishment of UN observances stimulates interest in the activities and programs of the organization in these areas, and also contributes to the intensification of activities at the international level. The proclamation of 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table is a recognition of the important role of the basic sciences, in particular, achievements in the field of chemistry and physics, in addressing the numerous development challenges that the world is currently facing in implementing the United Nations “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The International Year under the auspices of UNESCO provides an opportunity to mobilize all interested parties around the topic of science for peace and development – from government officials to media representatives and schoolchildren.