Science and Technology

The 9th Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for the SDGs ("STI Forum") was held at UN Headquarters on May 9-10, and the following is a summary.

1. During the Forum, about 10 government representatives made statements at the ministerial session and a wide variety of stakeholders, including university professors, researchers, engineers, international organizations, civil society representatives and companies made presentations at the official sessions. Numerous side events were also held. Her Excellency Christina Markus Lassen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations, and Her Excellency Ms. Inga Rhonda King, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, co-chaired and led the overall discussions.
2. The theme of this year's Forum is "Science, technology and innovation for reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises". The role of STI in achieving the SDGs was discussed, particularly Goals 1 (poverty), 2 (hunger), 13 (climate change), 16 (peace), and 17 (partnership). Note that these five goals are the areas to be reviewed at this year's UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
3. During the Forum, Dr. KOTANI Motoko, Executive Vice President of Tohoku University (Science and Technology Co-advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs), member of the United Nations 10-Member Group, spoke at thematic session 3 (Bridging the Science, Technology, and Innovation divides to eradicate poverty and end hunger). During her intervention, she mentioned about the challenges in the agri-food sector considering population growth and aging and Japan's efforts to utilize STI. Also, Dr. TANAKA Akihiko, President of JICA, spoke at Thematic Session 1 (More and more effective funding and capacity for SDG related research and innovation in all regions), where he stated that "STI in Development" should be promoted to facilitate partnerships and innovation.