Welcome to the United Nations
H.E. Dr. Hoshino Toshiya
Co-Chair of the Third Annual Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
The United Nations’ third annual Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, or “STI Forum”, is coming up on 5-6 June 2018 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The STI Forum is a concrete and action-oriented forum, where various stakeholders, including representatives from governments, industry and civil society, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, can all come together to discuss how to promote the use of science, technology and innovation (STI) as tools to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Six goals out of the 17 SDGs, along with other relevant topics, will be on the agenda this year, these goals are: clean water and sanitation (SDG #6), affordable and clean energy (#7), sustainable cities and communities (#11), responsible consumption and production (#12), life on land (#15), and partnerships for the goals (#17). Other topics include a chronological plan (“STI Roadmaps”) to guide the efforts of different stakeholders, and the impact of rapid technological change in science and technology on society and the economy. The Forum will also provide an opportunity to introduce innovators and entrepreneurs to funders interested in financing ideas that will have positive impacts toward sustainable development, and governments looking for innovative policy solutions.
Why STI?
The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, are a global plan which aims to end all forms of poverty, reduce inequality, cope with climate change, build a sustainable society by the year 2030, and “Leave No One Behind”. Science, technology and innovation are indispensable means for providing solutions to the challenges facing the world today while making the best use of limited resources in order to achieve these goals.
Let me give an example. Today, approximately 20% of the world’s population does not have access to electricity. In many places, people rely on firewood and kerosene lamps for lighting. Now, efforts are being made to provide a solution in such places using science and technology; under one such project, solar panels are being placed at kiosks in local communities, from which people can borrow bright, energy-efficient, and long-lasting LED lanterns charged with solar electricity. Thanks to these lanterns, children can now study at home after school, families can make longer use of night time hours, people can reduce the burden of securing firewood, and even have chance to start new local businesses in their villages. The power of science and technology has brought these people better and “brighter” lives.
STI can thus be useful for achieving the SDGs. At the same time, the benefits of science and technology must be for everyone, not just for some. The guiding principle of the SDGs is to “Leave No One Behind", and this principle applies to the utilization of STI as well. Furthermore, it is necessary to pay attention to inter-linkages such as synergies and trade-offs between respective SDGs. Regarding these inter-linkages, the International Council for Science (ICSU) outlined key interactions between the areas of food security (SDG #2), health (#3), energy (#7), and the oceans (#14) along with other goals in its 2017 report.
The Importance of Roadmaps
For the sake of efficiency, stakeholders should avoid implementing their SDGs-related measures sporadically and without coordination. If, on the other hand, they work together towards common objectives based on STI roadmaps, they can share their progress and achievements, thereby making their efforts more systematic. Discussions on these roadmaps will take place at the STI Forum. Let us hope for good progress.
Making STI a Real "Deciding Factor"
“STI for the SDGs" is not yet a concept familiar to many people. We should endeavor to develop this into a global effort. Japan, for its part, advocates a human-centered approach to leveraging STI to solve various social challenges, which it calls “Society 5.0”. Though STI has always played an important role in social innovation, it is the power of people, when they are empowered and supported to fully realize their potential, which makes innovation possible. I am, together with my co-chair from Mexico, committed to bringing the upcoming STI Forum to a success and realizing a world that will truly "Leave No One Behind".
