Economic and Social Council

 
57th plenary meeting
28 July 1995

 1995/54. Science and technology for development

The Economic and Social Council,

Considering the critical and catalytic role of science and technology for development,

Recognizing the specific needs and requirements of developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, especially those in Africa, and countries with economies in transition,

Recognizing the unique role of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development as a global forum for the examination of science and technology questions, for improving understanding of science and technology policies for development and for the formulation of recommendations and guidelines on science and technology matters within the United Nations system, all in relation to development,

Recognizing further that the Commission, in carrying out its work, should pay special attention to the needs and requirements of developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, and that it should also take into consideration the relevant problems of countries with economies in transition,

Taking note of the report of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development on its second session, 1/

Recognizing the need to support activities of the United Nations system in the field of science and technology for development and considering that the level of funding for science and technology as a generic field is limited, being only a small percentage of total United Nations system resources for development,

1. Urges all countries to increase their support for science and technology for development and for the activities of relevant organizations, funds and programmes of the United Nations in this sphere;

2. Urges the Commission on Science and Technology for Development to ensure greater transparency in its working methods and decision-making processes, including the allocation and utilization of resources, in accordance with Commission decision 2/101 of 24 May 1995; 2/

3. Requests the relevant organizations, funds and programmes of the United Nations, in the spirit of coordination which should prevail in the actions of the United Nations system in the field of science and technology for development;

(a) To sensitize the international community regarding the critical and catalytic role of science and technology for development;

(b) To consider strengthening their capability to contribute to strengthening capacities in developing countries to generate applied research and development activities and results, and the application of those results to the industry and the actual user, including through pilot-scale projects;

(c) To consider facilitating and financing, including by catalysing other forms of financial support, South-South technology transfer and cooperation as an effective ingredient of self-sustaining development; in this context, possibilities of cooperation between developing countries and countries with economies in transition should also be explored;

(d) To work in a coordinated manner to develop a catalogue of proved technologies to enable effective choice by developing countries of state-of- the-art technologies;

(e) To continue to promote more effective technology cooperation between developed countries, developing countries and countries with economies in transition, in particular by providing better access to technology and transfer of technology through, inter alia, fostering foreign direct investment from developed to developing countries, as well as to countries with economies in transition, including in the areas of new and emerging technologies;

(f) To consider enhancing research and development institutions of developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, in order to encourage and implement activities that reduce technological dependence on developed countries and promote South-South cooperation;

4. Invites the Commission on Science and Technology for Development to continue contributing substantively and constructively to the work of the Commission on Sustainable Development on the science and technology components of Agenda 21.

Notes

1/ Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement No. 11 (E/1995/31).

2/ Ibid., chap. I, sect. C.

Date last posted: 5 December 1999 13:27:00
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