UN Technology Bank and Impact Licensing Initiative Formalize Partnership to Advance Technology Access in Least Developed Countries

Sevilla, Spain, 3 July 2025

During the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (UNTB) and the Impact Licensing Initiative (ILI) formalized their collaboration to strengthen access to affordable, high-impact technologies in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place on the margins of a high-level side event focused on leveraging low-cost, scalable solutions to drive transformation across priority sectors in LDCs. Through this new partnership, the UN Technology Bank and ILI will work together to promote inclusive licensing approaches, foster private sector engagement, and explore innovative financing mechanisms that can help translate Technology Needs Assessments into concrete action.

Speaking at the event, Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank, underlined the importance of partnerships that align with national priorities and create practical pathways to implementation. “LDCs have clear visions and priorities. What they need is support to access the right technologies, fit-for-purpose financing mechanisms, and practical models that accelerate impact,” Mr. Maharaj noted.

The partnership also reflects the broader momentum generated at FfD4 to mobilize resources and forge alliances that can advance the goals of the Doha Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

More information on the UN Technology Bank’s initiatives to strengthen science, technology, and innovation capacities in LDCs can be found here.

Media contact: 

Ms. Elcin Torlak, (elcin.torlak@un.org, tbldc-media@un.org)

About the UN Technology Bank  

The UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries is dedicated to enhancing the contribution of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development in the world’s 44 least developed countries. The least developed countries are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human assets.  

The UN Technology Bank supports national and regional technological efforts in the least developed countries, reinforcing partnerships across sectors and helping nations identify and use appropriate technologies to transform their economies and improve livelihoods. 

Website: http://www.un.org/technologybank  

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