From country priorities to investment-ready projects
LDC-GIF aims to bring together the support needed to advance green industrial projects, starting with country-identified needs and connecting them with appropriate technologies, technical expertise, project preparation and financing opportunities.
The mechanism will build on the UN Technology Bank’s Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs), which help countries identify and prioritize technologies based on their national development needs. These assessments provide an evidence base for identifying technology and capacity gaps and potential investment opportunities.
Learn more about LDC-GIF Mechanism.
Secretary-General’s Report on the Work of the UN Technology Bank
Presentation to the Second Committee · A/81/324
The Secretary-General’s report highlights the work of the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries, including its efforts to strengthen science, technology and innovation capacities in the world’s 44 least developed countries and support their sustainable development.
Read the full report.
Uganda is leveraging science, technology and innovation (STI) to accelerate its path toward graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Through its Technology Needs Assessment (TNA), the country is identifying priority sectors, mapping technology gaps, and developing investment-ready solutions to drive structural transformation and economic diversification. Anchored in strong national ownership and aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the process highlights how STI can boost productivity, strengthen value chains, and build resilience. As Uganda advances, its experience offers a practical model for other LDCs seeking sustainable and irreversible graduation.
Turning Artificial Intelligence into a Development Asset in Least Developed Countries
This policy brief explores how Least Developed Countries can harness Artificial Intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development by addressing readiness gaps and scaling proven AI applications.
Using science, technology and innovation to accelerate development in the world’s Least Developed Countries
The UN Technology Bank is the only United Nations organization exclusively focused on transforming the world’s poorest countries through science, technology and innovation.
We work alongside governments, the private sector and leading research institutions to foster sustainable development where it is needed most. By assessing a country’s unique technology needs, we connect them with tailored solutions and back this up by facilitating skills building and boosting the capacity of key institutions in these countries.
The launch of the UN Technology Bank in 2018 marked the achievement of SDG Target 17.8, underscoring our critical role in strengthening the resources and partnerships needed to achieve sustainable development.
Our mission
To use science, technology and innovation to help the world’s 44 Least Developed Countries accelerate their development.
We also work to support countries that recently graduated from the least developed category.
Our vision
A world where science, technology and innovation can quickly close development gaps, ensuring people from the poorest and most vulnerable countries are not left behind.
About least developed countries
The Least Developed Countries are home to about 1.1 billion people, or 14% of the global population yet they account for just 1% of global Gross Domestic Product. They face significant structural barriers to growth and are highly vulnerable to economic and climate shocks. Despite their challenges, the Least Developed Countries have vast human, cultural and natural resources. By leveraging science, technology and innovation and building capacities in this area, the UN Technology Bank works to unlock the potential for their long-term sustainable growth, impacting millions of lives.
Learn more about our work
- Since 2018, we have conducted Technology Needs Assessments in 14 countries, with three ongoing
- In Bhutan, over 75,000 children have been screened for hearing impediments
- 100 students from 22 Least Developed Countries have received scholarships
- We reviewed The Gambia’s cashew nut sector and followed through with capacity training to reduce post-harvest loss.
Towards the 2030 Agenda
Achieving the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development will not be possible if the people of the Least Developed Countries are left behind. To eradicate poverty and remove structural barriers, science, technology and innovation will have a central role. The UN Technology Bank delivers programmes to boost high-quality research and pilot projects in these countries through capacity building and research collaboration.
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Doha Programme of Action
The Doha Programme of Action for LDCs (2022-2031) endorsed the UN Technology Bank as “a focal point for the Least Developed Countries to strengthen their science, technology and innovation capacity towards building sustainable productive capacities and promoting structural economic transformation.”
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| Address: | TUBITAK Gebze Kampusu, Teknoloji Serbest Bolgesi, No: 29/1 41470 Gebze, Kocaeli, Türkiye |
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| Email: | UNTB@un.org |
| Telephone: | +90 2626766300 |
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| Media enquiries: | melda.dogan@un.org, tbldc-media@un.org |