PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly have adopted the Resolution A/RES/78/259, officially proclaiming September 16th as the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South. The resolution underscores the importance of leveraging scientific and technological achievements for sustainable development, aligning with the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
FORUM: “Shaping a Brighter Future for the Global South.” International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South 2024. Today, Science, Technology, and Innovation are increasingly important in all spheres of human life. As science and technology rapidly advance, some developing nations are seizing the opportunity to leapfrog stages of development. Yet, for many others, this swiftly changing landscape presents significant challenges, particularly in the Global South, where governance issues and the struggle to effectively innovate and adapt are prominent. Compounding these challenges is a persistent gap in technology access between industrialized and developing countries, largely due to differences in technological capabilities and insufficient governance frameworks for widespread technology dissemination. The International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South represents an important step in reaffirming our commitment of leaving no one behind. It underscores that advancing science, technology, and innovation is essential not only for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also creating a fairer, more participatory, and inclusive world. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #scientificinnovations, #16September, #Globalsouth, #Tech4SDGs, #tech, #innovation, #STIForum.
PUBLICATIONS: ‘‘Using science, technology and innovation to close the gap on Sustainable Development Goal 3, good health and well-being* Report of the Secretary-General’’.
The OECD Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) develops evidence-based policy advice on the contribution of science, technology and industry to well-being and economic growth. The STI Policy Papers cover a broad range of topics, including industry and globalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship, scientific R&D and emerging technologies. These reports are officially declassified by an OECD Committee. Consult the OECD Science, Technology and Industry Policy Papers.
EVENTS: On September 16th, a high-level event will be held to mark the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South 2024, the United Nations General Assembly invites member states, specialized agencies, international organizations, academia, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to observe this International Day. It encourages them to present "initiatives, including cooperation projects in the areas of science, technology and innovation that contribute to the development of developing countries in those fields."
PODCASTS: High-income countries make up 77% of global R&D spending, while low-income countries contribute just 0.3%. In reality, R&D is even more concentrated in a few countries. Listen to the audio-podcast!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Enhancing developing countries’ ability to benefit from technological advances and to produce, nurture, access, comprehend, select, adapt and use science, technology and innovation knowledge. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) plays an important role in economic and social progress. It is a key driver of the long-term growth of an economy. Achieving the SDGs by 2030 requires extensive research and development (R&D) efforts to address complex global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and pandemics. Despite global R&D spending rising to about $2.5 trillion in 2022, investment remains concentrated in developed countries and China, with limited resources allocated to the Global South. We call on International Community to support the efforts of the countries of the South to develop and strengthen their national science, technology and innovation systems.
Advance science, technology, and innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Invest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and research to foster innovation.
Strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation, while recalling that South-South cooperation is not a substitute for, but rather a complement to, North-South cooperation.
Provide voluntary funding to the trust fund of the Technology Bank so that it can pursue its objectives in the area of science, technology and innovation for the least developed countries
Foster an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment that supports the Global South in developing and strengthening its national science, technology, and innovation systems.
The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is co-organized in partnership with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the UN Technology Bank, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the UNESCO. With the participation of Civil Society organization, Non-Governmental Organization, Stakeholders, the Private sector and the academias.