A week-long Session that drew broad commentary on science and technology for development concludes. A way forward was proposed for issues surrounding the themes of building indigenous capabilities in science, technology and innovation and the formulation of development-oriented policies for building socio-economically inclusive information societies in developing countries.

The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) held its Twelfth Session in Geneva on 25-29 May.

The Session highlighted the role science, technology, innovation and engineering can play in meeting their development goals, and provided a platform for members of developing countries to voice their concerns and to present ideas for formulating appropriate and inclusive policies.

Emphasising the importance of the contribution of all the stakeholders to the work of the Commission and to ECOSOC, the Commission also undertook the third annual review of progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the WSIS outcomes at the regional and international levels. Member states expressed satisfaction with the progress made and the Secretary-General's report Science, technology and engineering for innovation and capacity-building in education and research, prepared by UNCTAD in close co-operation with most UN Agencies, most notably ITU, UNESCO, the regional Commissions and UNDESA.

UNCTAD Secretary-General, Dr Supachai Panichpakdi, said that there was "no question about the timeliness and relevance of the themes" the Session would consider. The world is facing multiple challenges: the economic crisis, the food crisis and the climate crisis. The implications of these challenges for developing countries is significant, and the Secretary-General stressed "the crucial role that science and technology can and should play in stimulating long-term social and economic development."

The Session was very well attended, with more than 15 ministers entering into the discussions. They were joined by representatives from civil society, the private sector, academia, research institutes, member states, and international and regional organizations to discuss the impacts of science, technology and innovation in developing countries, and present ways forward.

Substantive and constructive debate demonstrated the participants' commitment to a serious in-depth analysis of the critical issues affecting developing countries in adopting science, technology and innovation. The discourse was particularly lively during the discussions surrounding the Session's two priority themes "Development-oriented policies for a socio-economically inclusive society, including policies relating to access, infrastructure and an enabling environment" and "Science, technology and engineering for innovation and capacity-building in education and research".

A major concern from the floor was education: speakers throughout the Session repeatedly stressed the role of universal education as a precondition for the sustained establishment of science, technology and innovation in developing countries.

Specific recommendations concerned the training and retention of scientific, technological and engineering talent, mechanisms for the funding of research, the commercialization of scientific knowledge, the building of strategic partnerships for the transfer of technology, innovative financing strategies, and an innovation-friendly culture. These were repeatedly cited as critical factors in harnessing scientific and technological knowledge for development.

Participants called on UNCTAD to take strong leadership in this regard, and to deliver a robust programme of action and an effective follow-up mechanism. CSTD was urged to play the role of torch-bearer for innovation and innovation-oriented planning, and to support efforts by national governments to integrate STI into national development strategies. UNCTAD was also called on to continue to assist African countries in their efforts to build STI capacities through training and workshops, particularly in the areas of biotechnology and cyber-security, and to invite donors to support the network of Centres of Excellence, currently sponsored by the Government of Italy, and expand it to include other regions.

CSTD's Twelfth Session concluded with several calls for action, including for an inclusive response to develop mechanisms for innovative solutions for expanding the provision of broadband access to poor communities in rural areas not covered by market-driven investment, to ensure access to science, technology and engineering for women, youth, the rural poor, and other marginalized groups in developing countries.

The resolutions for the way forward presented at the concluding session will include specific proposals to address such issues.

Please check the Commission web site for outcomes.