8 May 2015: The UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CTSD) concluded its 18th session, highlighting the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) as an integral part of means of implementation (MOI) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 18th session of CTSD took place in Geneva from 4-8 May 2015, including two ministerial roundtables on the first day, on “Managing the transition from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to sustainable development goals (SDGs)” and “Review of progress made in the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).”
On making the transition from MDGs to SDGs, the Commission anticipated that the role of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2015 and 2016 will be critical, and looked forward to substantive contributions from the high-level segment of ECOSOC, to be convened from 6-10 July 2015.
The Commission also recognized the outcomes of the review of WSIS implementation, including the need to: invest in broadband networks and services; maintain cyber-security; adapt legal and regulatory arrangements to the changing technology and markets; resolve differences concerning Internet governance; and ensure that ICT contributes to meeting environmental challenges.
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi highlighted the central place of STI in MOI, as well in various goals under the SDGs. UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Joakim Reiter called on the international community to ensure that “the big data revolution” leads to accurate analyses of development problems. Indrajit Banerjee, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), called for robust national STI policies to promote sustainable economic growth. Robin Mansell, London School of Economics (LSD) said that digital literacy will be needed in order for marginalized populations to capitalize on the new opportunities offered by ICTs.
The CSTD is a subsidiary body of ECOSOC, and provides the General Assembly and ECOSOC with high-level advice on relevant science and technology issues. UNCTAD provides the substantive servicing of the Commission. [CSTD Annotated Agenda] [UNCTAD Press Release] [CSTD Meeting Web Page] [Secretary-General’s Report on WSIS Follow-up]