The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the United Nations focal point for science, technology and innovation (STI) for development, in analyzing how STI, including information and communications technologies (ICTs), serve as enablers of the 2030 Agenda.
It acts as a forum for strategic planning, sharing lessons learned and best practices, providing foresight about critical trends in STI in key sectors of the economy, the environment and society, and drawing attention to emerging and disruptive technologies.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has hosted the secretariat of the commission since 1993.
For the 29th session, the commission will address the priority theme on Science, Technology and Innovation in the age of AI.
The Commission will also review the progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society at the regional and international levels, considering the outcome of its 20 years’ review; and hear presentations on report on technical cooperation activities in science, technology and innovation and progress report of the multi-stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance at All Levels, as relevant for development.
Participation
Participants will include representatives of governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector.
Logistics
The session will be held in person only at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in the six official languages of the United Nations.
