The second Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was held on 15-16 May 2017 in New York. The theme for this Forum was “Science, Technology and Innovation for a Changing World - Focus on SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, and 14”. The Forum featured various thematic sessions, and presentations of innovations which provide solutions targeted to these six SDGs. Innovators from around the world were invited to submit their technological solutions to the challenges posed by the six SDGs and 12 were selected.
The STI Forum is a component of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM) established under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It was attended by around 800 participants representing 90 governments and more than 390 scientists, innovators, technology specialists, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives. It promoted networking and matchmaking including through an Exhibition Hub of innovators, online discussions, and 25 side events. Key messages and recommendations which emerged from the Forum are as follows. A detailed summary will be soon available at this link.
- STI could be a “game changer” to enable developing countries move to a sustainable development path. The STI Forum could help achieve this by providing opportunities to enhance knowledge exchange and capacity building to address technology gaps between countries.
- STI efforts should put “people” at the centre and support the participation of local communities in innovation and co-creation to develop affordable solutions. More attention should be placed on basic technological needs, taking into account the needs and realities of the most vulnerable including women, youth and people with disabilities.
- The Forum should serve as catalyst for multi-stakeholder partnerships including with private sector and through South-South cooperation. There is a need to make the business case for private sector investment in innovation for the SDGs.
- Strengthening of the science-policy interface is needed in order to maximize the contribution of STI to achieving the SDGs. This would help strengthen the evidence-based decision making and to optimally leverage STI for the SDGs. The UN system should help strengthen such interface to help build trust between science and policy.
- In preparation for future STI Forums, a “horizon-scanning” exercise could be conducted to capture the latest developments in the STI field. The Forum should also build on other relevant international STI conferences and showcase their best results. A roadmap for TFM is also needed to help monitor progress.
- The Forum must be action-oriented and cumulative in its impact. Over the next 13 years, future Forums should learn from and advance the achievements of previous ones. TFM funding must be ensured in the longer-term and at a level that meets expectations of the Member States and other stakeholders. Member States need to support the TFM politically and financially to enable it to deliver concrete actions on the ground.
