The UN Secretariat has published the Co-Chairs’ summary of the Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs (STI Forum). The summary brings together a broad range of views expressed through formal and informal statements by representatives of governments, the UN system and diverse stakeholders.
Co-chaired by Permanent Representative of Denmark Christina Markus Lassen and Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Inga Rhonda King, STI Forum took place from 9-10 May 2024. The Co-Chairs’ summary (E/HLPF/2024/7) is available as an advanced, unedited version.
Providing an overview of the high-level segment, the Co-Chairs highlight the Forum’s emphasis on “the pivotal role of STI in shaping the trajectory of human progress towards sustainable development [by] fundamentally transforming and propelling societies towards more equitable and sustainable futures.” They outline STI’s critical role in addressing global challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and inequalities.
Among key takeaways from the ministerial session on harnessing science and technology for the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions, the Co-Chairs highlight the need for “collaborative, inclusive, and innovative approaches that ensure the benefits of technological advancements are shared by all, particularly the most vulnerable, ensuring a resilient, equitable, and prosperous future for all nations and communities.”
They underscore that amid “formidable challenges and unprecedented opportunities for SDG implementation” presented by accelerating climate change and rapid artificial intelligence (AI) progress, transformative power of science and a wide range of technological solutions “can accelerate progress across all SDG domains.”
The Co-Chairs also present selected key messages from the Forum’s seven thematic sessions, as well as takeaways from side events, young innovators, and written contributions to the Forum.
The Co-Chairs formulate general and thematic recommendations for consideration by the HLPF relating to:
- Funding and capacity for SDG-related research and innovation;
- STI cooperation on climate change;
- Bridging STI divides to end poverty and hunger;
- STI in small island developing States (SIDS);
- Digital innovation for sustainable peace and resilience in the context of climate change;
- Women-centered science and technology solutions; and
- STI partnerships in African countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
In addition, the summary features recommendations by the 10-Member-Group of High-level Representatives of Civil Society, the Private Sector, and Scientific Community to support the UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism, as well as a separate set of recommendations for the Technology Facilitation Mechanism. [Publication: Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals]