Focus on U.N. Commission on S&T For Development

The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) is an intergovernmental organization within the U.N.’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) responsible for exploring emerging issues related to science, technology and global development.

Founded as an outcome of the 1979 U.N. Conference on Science and Technology for Development, the CSTD was created to provide the UN with high-level advice, facilitate intergovernmental dialog, and to recommend common policies to deal with the critical challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological development for developing countries.

CSTD is comprised of forty-three members nominated by Member States and elected by the Economic and Social Council for a term of four years.  Members bring relevant professional qualifications and scientific/technical knowledge.

The main focus of CSTD’s work occurs at its annual Session, where members, along with invited experts and representatives of selected non-governmental organizations gather to discuss two new and emerging issues.  The most recent Annual Session was held on 28 March – 1 April where the agenda focused on Industry 4.0 for inclusive development and science, technology and innovation for sustainable urban development in a post-pandemic world.

An inter-sessional panel is planned for 25-27 October, where the panel will discuss technology and innovation for cleaner and more productive and competitive production and innovation related to safe water and sanitation.

CSTD’s also contributes to the work and reports of the UN Conference on Technology and Development (UNCTAD) on topics such as Industry 4.0 for Inclusive Development, Harnessing Blockchain for Sustainable Development, and Exploring Space Technologies for Sustainable Development.

You can learn more about the work of the CSTD or access related UNCTAD reports at:  https://unctad.org/topic/commission-on-science-and-technology-for-development.