ESCAP holds a virtual meeting on supporting development of a new collaboration programme on science, technology and innovation (STI) among Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, on August 10. SUPPLIED
The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on August 10 announced the launch of a new initiative on the use of science, technology and innovation (STI) for sustainable development in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
The strategy will establish mutually beneficial partnerships to tackle common challenges and create opportunities for building scientific know-how, technological capability and innovation breakthroughs among the four countries.
To fulfil the STI promise of delivering Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ESCAP said that countries need concerted efforts to unlock the potential of scientific knowledge, digital technologies and business innovations.
The collaboration programme will identify specific areas, resources and institutional commitments to support strategic cooperation between the collaborating countries on STI, it added.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in the Thai capital Bangkok on August 10, UN undersecretary-general and ESCAP executive secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said: “To achieve the ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals, countries need to leverage science, technology and innovation.
“By facilitating south-south and triangular collaboration in this area, we hope to boost national innovation capabilities, tackle high-priority societal challenges and nurture shared prosperity,” she said.
Kieth Rethy Chhem, secretary of state at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, said such efforts are “essential”.
“STI cooperation and collaboration between neighbouring countries is essential if we wish to address collective challenges in the context of sustainable development,” he said.
Kitipong Promwong, president of the Office of National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council of Thailand, said the collaboration programme would support “people and planet”.
“This collaboration programme will support our people and planet by amplifying the use of technological solutions and scientific knowledge for more sustainable economic models,” he said.
ESCAP said that adding to the Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on STI Policy (ARTNET on STI), the initiative will draw on a community of practice of government officials and policy experts to design forward-looking and evidence-based STI policies for inclusive and sustainable development.
A commitment to strengthening cooperation in STI after the reopening of member state borders was expressed at the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation back in June.
The ministers also highlighted the role of STI in achieving SDGs, especially in addressing environmental issues, social challenges and economic opportunities.
