ICTP joined UNESCO at its regional office in Venice on 10 November to celebrate the 2009 UNESCO World Science Day for Peace and Development. The event included talks by representatives from international science organizations such as ICTP and CERN. As a tribute to the UN's Year of Astronomy, the event included a remote connection to the University of Padua's telescope at the Astrophysics Observatory in Asiago. Claudio Tuniz, ICTP's assistant director, represented the Centre at the event.

Celebrated each year on 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development provides an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the contribution science makes to achieving sustainable development and enhancing the prospects for peace.