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About STDev |
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Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative |
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 It has been observed that science and technology-related issues are often at the root of many trade controversies/disputes. Successful trade negotiations therefore demand a greater understanding by trade diplomats and policy-makers of the scientific underpinnings of trade issues. However, many developing countries tend to thinly spread their limited financial and human resources that deal with international diplomacy in science and technology. As a result, negotiations and discussions leading to the signing of treaties and protocols are often concluded without having access to accurate and informed policy advice. Moreover, policy-makers, especially from developing countries, often miss out or do not take advantage of initiatives and programmes that are designed to assist and advise them on emerging issues of science and technology. This Initiative has been established at UNCTAD in accordance with Resolution 2001/31 of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), adopted in July 2001, following recommendations of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) and consultations with the Secretary-General of UNCTAD. This Initiative is being implemented by UNCTAD in collaboration with the Science, Technology and Innovation Program of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. The Initiative will also seek to partner with other international organizations, most notably FAO, UNEP, UNESCO, WHO,WIPO,WMO, WTO and the United Nations University, as well as other international scientific organizations, such as the Third World Academy of Sciences. The main objective of the Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative is to mobilize scientific and technological expertise to enable developing country diplomats and representatives to participate fully and to make informed decisions on emerging issues, where science and technology play an important role, particularly in the aftermath of the Doha WTO Ministerial meeting. The Science and technology Diplomacy Initiative seeks to provide training and workshops for diplomats, scientists and policy-makers to assist them in international negotiations, particularly those that take place at the TRIPS Council, with respect to the Convention on Biological Diversity, biotechnology, and transfer of technology. The Initiative also provides succinct technology diplomacy briefs on emerging science and technology issues as well as information on internationl treaties, protocols and international initiatives and events. For further information, please contact: Mr. Mongi Hamdi, Chief, Science and Technology Section, Policy and Capacity Building Branch, Division on Investment, Technology and Enterprise Development Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10 Tel: 41-22-917-5069 Email: mongi.hamdi@unctad.org |
The
Initiative at a glance TRIPS gateway [www.wto.org] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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