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It is essential to foster an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment that supports the Global South in developing and strengthening its national science, technology, and innovation systems.
Photo:?2017CIAT/GeorginaSmith

Shaping a Brighter Future for the Global South

Today, Science, Technology, and Innovation are increasingly important in all spheres of human life.

As science and technology rapidly advance, some developing nations are seizing the opportunity to leapfrog stages of development. Yet, for many others, this swiftly changing landscape presents significant challenges, particularly in the Global South, where governance issues and the struggle to effectively innovate and adapt are prominent. Compounding these challenges is a persistent gap in technology access between industrialized and developing countries, largely due to differences in technological capabilities and insufficient governance frameworks for widespread technology dissemination.

The International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South represents an important step in reaffirming our commitment of leaving no one behind. It underscores that advancing science, technology, and innovation is essential not only for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also creating a fairer, more participatory, and inclusive world.

Science, Technology and Innovation key to Africa's Development

Africa missed the first three Industrial Revolutions and risks missing the Fourth without decisive action. To benefit from the digital revolution, Africa must invest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and research to foster innovation.

Background

For most developing countries, achieving sustainable development has become an increasingly difficult task in a world marked by economic, social, and environmental polarization, and widespread indifference to meeting the multilaterally agreed SDGs. The growing gap between political rhetoric and reality in international forums further complicates this challenge.

During the Summit on Science, Technology, and Innovation, held in Havana on 15 and 16 September 2023, the leaders of the G77 and China agreed to designate September 16 as the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South. The summit’s highlights the essential role of STI in tackling development challenges by fostering better cooperation, fair access to technology, and the responsible use of scientific innovations.

On 9 January 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution , officially proclaiming September 16th as the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South. The resolution underscores the importance of leveraging scientific and technological achievements for sustainable development, aligning with the , the , and the SDGs.

The resolution also invites UN member states, specialized agencies, international organizations, academia, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to observe this International Day. It encourages them to present "initiatives, including cooperation projects in the areas of science, technology and innovation that contribute to the development of developing countries in those fields."

Did you know?

  • Achieving the SDGs by 2030 requires extensive research and development (R&D) efforts to address complex global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and pandemics. Despite global R&D spending rising to about $2.5 trillion in 2022, investment remains concentrated in developed countries and China, with limited resources allocated to the Global South.
  • High-income countries make up 77% of global R&D spending, while low-income countries contribute just 0.3%. In reality, R&D is even more concentrated in a few countries.
  • In 2022, high-income countries had 59 times more health researchers than low-income countries, and only 0.2% of health research grants went to the latter. Moreover, only less than 0.5% of health products were for WHO neglected tropical diseases.

Key Documents

  • General Assembly Resolution on establishing the International Day ()

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The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation () was created in 1974 to promote, coordinate and support South-South and triangular cooperation globally and within the United Nations system. The Office works to support countries’ efforts to manage, design and implement South-South cooperation policies and initiatives through the identification, sharing and transfer of successful Southern-generated development solutions.

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The UN Technology Bank became operational in 2018 and serves the 45?least developed countries (LDCs) ?and former least developed countries for up to five years after their graduation from the category. It actively engages with national, regional and international partners to deliver its programme and projects which strengthen science, technology and innovation capacity in least developed countries.

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International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.