UN STI Forum 2021: High-Level Side Event on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for SDGs Roadmaps (May, 2021)
The session aimed to address the countries and organizations interested in applying Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it took place on Monday, 3 May at the margins of UN STI Forum 2021.
The meeting sought to raise awareness about the results achieved as part of the Global Pilot Programme on STI for the SDGs Roadmaps, and to promote the discussions regarding next steps to reach out more countries and stakeholders.
During the event, the Guidebook for the Preparation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for SDGs Roadmaps was presented, soon to come in the UN and other languages (Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese). In addition, a Progress Report of the Global Pilot Programme on STI for the SDGs Roadmaps was launched. The cooperative work on the Guidebook and Global Pilot Programme brought together different UN Agencies such as UN-DESA, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNCTAD and the World Bank, along with other international partners such as the Government of Japan, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission and the OECD.
The virtual meeting saw the participation of JRC Director General Stephen Quest who highlighted the particular important role that EU Smart Specialisation methodology has played as one of the global methodologies for the identification of place-based STI priorities aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also expressed support for the proposed Partnership in Action. Some additional JRC highlights include the announcement that partner country Serbia adopted STI for SDGs Roadmaps developed with the JRC guidance triggering preliminary implementations steps. Ukraine, recently admitted to the Global Pilot Programme, discussed its plan, expectations and commitment to propel the developing of STI for SDGs roadmaps aligned with the JRC’s support on Smart Specialisation strategies. Latvia’s experience was also part of the conversation when Mr. Andrejs Pildegovičs, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations and the Co-Chair of the 2021 STI Forum offered key remarks about the country’s implementation of Smart Specialisation for the achievement of SDGs through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
Download the entire programme and more information.