The Pugwash movement - Science - August 1986

UNESCO Courier, Dec, 2001 by Joseph Rotblat

Today the Pugwash Movement is established as an important and effective channel of communication between scientists for the study and discussion of many of the complex issues which confront mankind at the present time. Participation in these conferences by eminent scientists from East and West, North and South, and the constructive proposals which have emerged from the discussions, particularly in relation to disarmament, have secured for the Pugwash Conferences the respect of the scientific community, of governments, and of many sectors of society. The name "Pugwash" has become a symbol of successful international debate on controversial issues, and the conferences are cited as a model for similar efforts in other fields.

The success of the Pugwash Conferences is the result of resolute efforts of a group of scientists determined to retain an independent and unbiased outlook, and anxious to build and consolidate international understanding and co-operation. The Conferences have shown that it is possible to apply the scientific approach, which has proved so successful in science and technology, to problems which are only Indirectly related to science. They have shown that even when dealing with highly controversial matters, it is possible to tell the truth without being abusive, to be candid without trying to embarrass, provided that there Is a common approach based on scientific objectivity and mutual respect.

JOSEPH ROTBLAT, of the United Kingdom, is a founder member of the Pugwash Movement, and was its first Secretary-General (1957-1973). Today Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of London, he has campaigned for many years in favour of arms control and disarmament. He is the author of numerous publications on world affairs, nuclear energy and the quest for peace, including the official history of Pugwash. He was general editor of Scientists, the Arms Race and Disarmament, a Unesco-Pugwash Symposium published by Unesco in 1982. The present text has been extracted from the author's contribution to a series of studies which Unesco is publishing on the origins of peace movements in different parts of the world,