December 2014: A UN Informal Inter-agency Working Group on a Global Technology Facilitation Platform was established during the last quarter of 2014, to support UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s proposal to establish an “online, global platform, building on and complementing existing initiatives, with the participation of all relevant stakeholders,” contained in his Synthesis Report on the post-2015 development agenda (paragraph 125) and to support follow-up to UN General Assembly resolution 68/310 on ‘Four one-day structured dialogues on possible arrangements for a facilitation mechanism to promote the development, transfer and dissemination of clean and environmentally sound technologies.’

The Working Group includes main actors in the UN system engaged in international initiatives aimed at facilitating the development, diffusion and transfer of environmentally sound technologies. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) serve as co-facilitators. Other members include representatives from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Bank. The Working Group is also open to other interested, UN system entities.

According to the Working Group, its activities include: providing a mapping and inventory of existing technology facilitation frameworks, networks, processes and initiatives, including technology needs assessment and capacity-building activities where the UN is an active participant; identifying areas of synergy and of possible cooperation among members that can lead to greater effectiveness in the provision of ongoing programmatic activities; developing options for a possible online knowledge hub and information-sharing platform for technology facilitation; and cooperating with relevant stakeholders on building or strengthening technology-focused partnerships and collaborations. [IISD RS Sources] [DESA Webpage on Technology Initiatives]