UNCTAD prioritizes science, technology and innovation after the COVID-19 pandemic

UNCTAD’s director of technology and logistics said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to prioritize STIs for policymaking, resource allocation and international cooperation.

(Source: unctad.org) The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on May 12 announced that it will bring together experts in the meeting of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) from 17-21. /5 to find out how science, technology and innovation (STI) contributes to a resilient and sustainable recovery after the pandemic COVID-19 . Shamika N. Sirimanne , Director of Technology and Logistics of UNCTAD and who also heads the CSTD Secretariat, said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to prioritize STIs for policymaking, resource allocation and international cooperation. However, governments also need to ensure that the developmental benefits of STIs are translated directly into the daily lives of people around the world. It is important for all countries to have equal access to the benefits of life-saving treatments, not only for pandemics but also for diseases related to poverty, future medical emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks, Ms. Sirimanne added. Experts will look at the opportunities offered by technologies some of which are being used to respond to the pandemic, such as artificial intelligence, big data and robotics. While these technologies may enable developing countries to stay ahead of previous technology models and transform economies and societies, these countries – especially the least developed – often not ready to adopt them due to resource and capacity constraints. According to Sirimanne, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many manifestations of deep digital inequality within and across countries. She said proactive policy interventions, mobilization of all stakeholders and international cooperation are needed to guide STI advances towards a resilient and sustainable recovery from the pandemic. In an increasingly digitalized economy and society, the security and accountability of data transactions are critical to building trust and creating disruptive innovations in the technical world. number. In this respect, blockchain technology can be a game-changer, with the potential to revolutionize processes from finance to the pharmaceutical industry, from government public services to humanitarian and humanitarian work. development aid. Blockchain serves as the underlying technology for cryptocurrencies, enabling open (peer-to-peer), secure and fast transactions. The application of blockchain has expanded to include various financial transactions such as online payments and exchange platforms, as well as the Internet of Things (IoT), healthcare systems, and supply chains. “While we have seen a few examples of blockchain’s potential to address sustainability challenges, it is important to avoid hype and ensure that we understand the potential blockchain can have,” said Ms. transformed into an effective answer to the needs of developing countries.” Digital technology has played an important role in addressing the pandemic and enabling resilience in many ways. These include the use of big data and artificial intelligence for public health interventions and the use of digital services to accelerate infection surveillance and testing. Other trends include the use of the Internet and video conferencing platforms for work and education as well as expanding use of e-commerce and online entertainment platforms. “But on the other hand, those who lack affordable connectivity have been severely disadvantaged during this pandemic,” added Ms. Sirimanne. “Other challenges have emerged including misinformation. propagation, privacy and data protection, and network security. CSTD is a subsidiary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is the United Nations’ focal point for STIs to develop, in analyzing how STIs, including information technology and media, acting as a driving force behind the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.