Background
During the 179th session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 24 Member States, led by Ethiopia, co-sponsored the proposal for the UN proclamation of 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry.
On 19 December 2008 the General Assembly of the United Nations at its sixty-third session adopted resolution 63/209, proclaiming 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry. The International Year of Chemistry is expected to foster improved understanding and appreciation of chemistry by the public; to enhance international cooperation and the dissemination of information for activities by national chemical societies, educational institutions, industry, Governments and non-governmental organizations; to promote the role of chemistry in contributing to solutions to global challenges; and to build capacity by engaging young people with scientific disciplines, especially the scientific method of analysis consisting of hypothesis, experiment, analysis and conclusions.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is designated as the lead agency and focal point for the International Year of Chemistry and will organize activities to be carried out during the year in collaboration with other relevant entities of the United Nations system, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and its associated organizations and federations across the world.