Commission on science and technology for development (20th session)

Event report

At its twentieth session, held on 8-12 May, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development addressed two priority themes: new innovation approaches to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the role of science, technology, and innovation in ensuring food security by 2030. There was also a review and assessment of the progress made in the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) at regional and international level. In addition, the meeting featured presentations and updates on national science, technology, and innovation policy reviews undertaken by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) with a view to assisting developing countries in identifying the measures needed to integrate science, technology, and innovation policies into their national strategies. The five-day meeting resulted in the adoption, by the Commission, of two draft resolutions to be presented to the Economic and Social Council. The draft resolution on Science, technology and innovation for development includes, among others, several recommendations for governments to support science, technology, and innovation efforts that foster the global expansion of information and communications technology infrastructure, products, and services, including broadband Internet access to all people. The draft resolution on the Assessment of the progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the WSIS underlines, among others, the need to close the still existing digital divide, the importance of aligning of WSIS processes with the implementation of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the value of multistakeholder cooperation and engagement in Internet governance processes, and the importance of the IGF.