Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
On the report of the Second Committee (A/63/414/Add.1 and Corr.1)
63/209. International Year of Chemistry, 2011
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 61/185 of 20 December 2006 on the proclamation of
international years,
Recognizing that humankind’s understanding of the material nature of our world is grounded, in particular, in our knowledge of chemistry,
Stressing that education in and about chemistry is critical in addressing challenges such as global climate change, in providing sustainable sources of clean water, food and energy and in maintaining a wholesome environment for the wellbeing of all people,
Considering that the science of chemistry and its applications produce medicines, fuels, metals and virtually all other manufactured products,
Being aware that the year 2011 provides the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to science on the one-hundredth anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Maria Sklodowska-Curie,
Being aware also that the year 2011 provides the opportunity to highlight the need for international scientific collaboration on the one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies,
Noting the adoption by the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at its one hundred and seventyninth session of a proposal for the proclamation by the United Nations of 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry, and noting also the unanimous resolution of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, at its 2007 Council meeting, to have 2011 proclaimed the International Year of Chemistry,
Recognizing the leading role of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry in coordinating and promoting chemistry activities at the national and regional levels around the world,
1. Decides to proclaim 2011 the International Year of Chemistry;
2. Designates the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as the lead agency and focal point for the Year and invites it to organize activities to be realized during the Year, in collaboration with other relevant entities of the United Nations system, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and its associated organizations and federations across the world, and, in this regard, notes that the activities of the Year will be funded from voluntary contributions, including from the private sector;
3. Encourages all Member States, the United Nations system and all other actors to take advantage of the Year to promote actions at all levels aimed at increasing awareness among the public of the importance of chemistry and promoting widespread access to new knowledge and to chemistry activities.
19 December 2008