Government of Italy provides a grant of US$648,000 to UNCTAD to kick-start the "Network of Centres of Excellence" in developing countries

Launched at the eighth session of the CSTD in May 2005, the Network is designed to connect existing science and technology institutions in developing countries that have made a name for themselves as major sources and conduits for the diffusion of scientific knowledge. Initially, the Network will comprise 10 institutions in developing countries that are willing and able to provide training to scientists and engineers from other developing countries, especially African ones.

It is envisaged that these institutions will become hubs of learning and help reverse the current “brain drain” by producing researchers able to tackle their countries´ development challenges head-on. Ultimately, it should enhance the capacity of developing countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

UNCTAD and the CSTD have been examining the role of science and technology in the achievement of the MDGs. One of their main findings is that most developing countries are unlikely to meet those goals without significant efforts to build up their R&D capabilities.