DEAD SEA, Jordan, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- International scientists and policymakers gathered Tuesday at the World Science Forum 2017 in Jordan, calling for utilizing science to address pressing challenges and make peace.
The forum was inaugurated by Jordan's King Abdullah II with the presence of 3,000 scientists, policymakers, Nobel laureates, academicians and investors.
Participants stressed the key role played by science in making peace, as the forum is themed "Science for Peace."
The four-day forum for this year seeks to highlight the role of science in building and fostering a culture of peace at all levels and for all parts of society.
In a speech at the opening of the forum, Hungarian President Janos Ader noted that the focus of this year's forum, food security, water and energy, are fundamental to security.
Stressing the key role of science in addressing challenges, he indicated that nowadays 2 billion people have no access to safe drinking water, and 4 billion have no access to adequate sanitation.
By 2050, two-thirds of humanity will live in cities. It is impossible to maintain and operate cities without sufficient energy, said the Hungarian president, calling on the attendees and scientists to explore the role of science in addressing these challenges.
Jordanian Princess Sumaya, chair of the forum and president of the Royal Scientific Society that is organizing this year's forum, underlined the significance of the event and the wide participation from representatives from across the world.
"We must leave aside our fears and prejudices, and we must vow to create a future that is worthy of our human spirit," she added.
Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist, said the role played by science to make peace was fundamental and pivotal. "Science can create wealth, science can create prosperity. These are both key to peace," said Kaku.
Science, he said, is an essential player in empowering the powerless. It is for the benefit of all mankind.
In the absence of science, a vacuum is created, which can be used by demagogues to spread fear, unwanted ideologies and ignorance, Kaku added.
Laszlo Lovasz, president of Hungarian Academy of Sciences, said at the opening of the forum that Jordan plays a vital role in the promotion of sciences at all levels.
Noting that sciences can play a role in ending divisions, Lovasz called on all scientists from across the globe to work together for peace.
Scientists and heads of international science bodies said sciences were the key to address the challenges in today's world including climate change, water, nuclear power plants and food security.
