4 September 2012: In a report on “Options for a facilitation mechanism that promotes the development, transfer and dissemination of clean and environmentally sound technologies,” the UN Secretary-General issues recommendations on implementing and improving global technology facilitation. The report (A/67/348) also summarizes recent trends in science and technology for sustainable development, and looks ahead to potential technology-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) contained a request for the Secretary-General to make recommendations to the 67th UN General Assembly (UNGA) regarding such a facilitation mechanism, and for relevant UN agencies identify options for the mechanism.

On trends and lessons learned in global technology, the report emphasizes the effects that technology and consumption have on the environment, and recognizes governments’ actions to develop cleaner technologies. Citing a goal for the world to “multiply global eco-efficiency by 4 or 5 by 2050,” the report finds this feasible though highly ambitious, given present social and economic limitations.

Lessons learned include: the need to address gaps in the technology cycle in poor and rich countries; promoting partnerships to reduce poverty; the ability to adjust to new challenges; the need to improve technology transfer between countries; and the need to improve on capacity-building by the UN.

The report recommends creation of a global technology facilitation mechanism, drawing on lessons learned to be effective. It recommends that the mechanism receive intergovernmental direction from the new high-level political forum (HLPF), with a secretariat provided by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Coordination between UN bodies and the global, regional, and national levels is also stressed.

Finally, the report recommends SDGs related to technology, and the creation of four global networks of: science foundations; policy, intellectual property, and organizations that aim to reduce and share risk; national business incubators; and technology transfer mechanisms and related instruments; which would all support and strengthen partnerships for the technology mechanism. [Publication: Options for a facilitation mechanism that promotes the development, transfer and dissemination of clean and environmentally sound technologies]