Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 11 November 2025

UNESCO

PRESS RELEASE

World Science Day 2025 Accelerates Pakistan's 2050 Vision

ISLAMABAD, November 10, 2025 - Pakistani youth and leading scientific minds converged in the Pakistan Museum of Natural History to celebrate World Science Day for Peace and Development, focusing on the future-critical theme: "Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050." The event was jointly organized by UNESCO, the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), the Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation (ECOSF), and the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, demonstrating a unified national commitment to scientific literacy.

Leadership Advocates for Trust and Transformation

The day's proceedings reinforced the urgent need for a knowledge-based economy, particularly as the celebration aligns with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033). The opening session featured addresses by distinguished speakers, including Chief Guest, Mr. Shahid Iqbal Baloch (Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology), Guest of Honor, Mr. Fuad Pashayev (Representative of UNESCO to Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Akmal (Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation), Dr. Aslam Baig (Secretary General, Pakistan Academy of Sciences), Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon (Executive Director, ECO Science Foundation), Dr. Ahmed Ali Sarohi (Director General Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Dr. Muhammad Sabieh Anwar (Professor of Physics and former Dean at LUMS).

The speakers highlighted the urgent need for increased R&D investment, evidence-based policymaking, and stronger public trust in science to build national resilience against complex challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and biodiversity loss. They noted that global R&D spending now exceeds USD 1.7 trillion annually, with Asia contributing 44%, yet low-income countries account for only 0.3% of global investment. Pakistan itself invests only 0.16% of GDP in R&D compared to the 1.7% global average, despite having one of the world's youngest populations, with over 64% under the age of 30, and being among the world's top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries. Strengthening scientific literacy, empowering youth, and increasing investment in science and technology were identified as critical drivers for Pakistan's transformation and sustainable development toward 2050.

The event concluded with the prize distribution for the Pakistan Team members who secured 3 medals in the Asian Science Camp 2025 at the regional event in Thailand and a tour of the exhibits by students. For an immersive experience, engaging interactive activities are followed through for school students at the Museum of Natural History on 11 November 2025.

This year's World Science Day marks a crucial commitment to the future; it transforms the inspiration of today into the innovation of tomorrow, securing a scientifically informed, resilient, and prosperous Pakistan by 2050.