New Managing Director for Technology Bank Welcomed to United Nations

Press Release 

NEW YORK, 4 December 2018 - Mr. Joshua Phoho Setipa of Lesotho was welcomed to the United Nations Headquarters in New York today as the new Managing Director of the Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries. The Technology Bank is the UN’s newest institution and is supporting science, technology and innovation in the world’s poorest countries.

With over 20 years working at a senior level in government and international organisations including The World Bank, USAID and The World Trade Organisation, Mr. Setipa brings a wealth of experience to this vital role.

“The Technology Bank and its partners have already begun to chart a path with real potential to transform technology in the world’s poorest countries. I am excited and proud to lead this institution as it turns these ambitions into a life changing reality for the least developed countries,” said Mr. Setipa.

Mr. Setipa was welcomed to the United Nations by Ms. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. Over a two-week period he will meet with key stakeholders including development partners and the UN system to explore future opportunities for collaboration and support of the activities of the Technology Bank.

The UN Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States has supported efforts to establish the Technology Bank since it was initially called for in 2011. Mr. Setipa succeeds Ms. Heidi Schroderus-Fox, Director of UNOHRLLS who served as the Acting Managing Director of the Technology Bank during its initial start-up phase.

“I warmly welcome Mr. Setipa to this exciting new position. It has been an honor for me to lead the UN team during the initial set-up and launch of the LDC technology bank. I am confident that under Mr. Setipa’s leadership the Technology Bank will reach its full potential in support of the least developed countries,” said Ms. Heidi Schroderus Fox.

The establishment and full operationalization of the Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries in 2018, is the first Sustainable Development Goal target, (17.8), to be achieved, speaking directly to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s principle of leaving no one behind. The new UN institution is seen as a significant achievement for the promotion of science, technology and innovation in the world’s poorest countries.

Work has already been initiated on the preparation of Science, Technology and Innovation reviews and Technology Needs Assessments in 5 least developed countries, in collaboration with relevant UN agencies. The Technology Bank also started activities aimed at improving access for scientists and researchers to data, publications, and knowledge in 12 least developed countries.

Further information:

• Biography for Mr. Joshua Setipa
• The Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries

Media contact: 

Louise Stoddard, UN-OHRLLS – stoddard@un.org