Welcome to the United Nations
Co-Chairs’ summary of the multi-stakeholder forum on science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals
I. Introduction
1. The present summary represents a reflection of the broad discussions that took place during the multi-stakeholder forum on science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals. The summary brings together a diverse set of views articulated through both formal and informal statements provided by stakeholders. The views presented do not necessarily represent opinions held or endorsed by the Co-Chairs or the governments that they represent.
2. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 70/1, on 4 and 5 May 2021, the President of the Economic and Social Council, Munir Akram, convened the sixth annual science, technology and innovation forum. As a component of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism, the forum is a venue to discuss cooperation in science, technology and innovation around thematic areas pertaining to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, bringing together all relevant stakeholders to actively contribute in their areas of expertise. The forum provides a venue for facilitating interaction, matchmaking and the establishment of networks and multi-stakeholder partnerships, in order to identify and examine needs and gaps in terms of technology solutions, scientific cooperation, innovation and capacity-building; to examine the impact of rapid technological change on the Sustainable Development Goals in the light of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19); and to help to facilitate the development, transfer and dissemination of relevant technologies for the Goals and targets.
3. The Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, Andrejs Pildegovičs, and the Deputy Permanent Representative and chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the United Nations, Mohammad Koba, co-chaired the forum. The forum was prepared by the United Nations inter-agency task team on science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, with the support of the 10-member group of high-level representatives from civil society, the private sector and the scientific community in support of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism.
4. The opening of the forum featured statements by the President of the Economic and Social Council, Munir Akram, the President of the General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, and the Secretary-General (remarks delivered by the office-in-charge of the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Maria-Francesca Spatolisano).
5. Two keynote speakers set the scene for the forum: Julie Makani, Professor and Principal Investigator, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Republic of Tanzania; and Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation.
6. The forum was held in a fully virtual format, in view of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The forum was well attended and included representation from governments, scientists, innovators, technology specialists, entrepreneurs and civil society. Many more also followed the forum live on UN WebTV and other platforms, and the recordings continue to be viewed. Cumulative viewership, at the present rate, will be in the thousands. The forum comprised interactive sessions that engaged all stakeholders in the deliberations. Active civil society participation was strong, with 570 registrations for interactive participation and 109 speaking requests. In line with its mandate, the forum promoted networking, a virtual innovation exhibit and special events on reflections by members of the 10-member group; on science, technology and innovation and harnessing global opportunities for transformation in 2021; on digital cooperation; and on promoting inclusion to accelerate innovation. A total of 33 side events also took place. The forum included ministerial sessions, which featured 24 live statements on science, technology and innovation policies and initiatives from ministers and other high-level speakers and an additional seven written statements.
