Structure of todays sessions Objective of todays working
Structure of today’s sessions Objective of today’s working groups discussion: Link major issues identified yesterday for further deliberation in the working groups
How we proceed today 1. Summary of major issues raised yesterday 2. How we proceed in the working groups
Globalization n Globalization has become possible through science and technology Globalization is unstoppable, irreversible Globalization has been unequal, developing countries marginalized We must shape the direction and form it takes: n n To ensure that globalization serves human interests and is of benefit to all. Science and technology can harm people if not directed and shaped properly.
How globalization can serve mankind n Address human needs such as drinking water, n energy n epidemics & public health issues, n climate change etc. - i. e. WEHAB from WSSD n
Human needs Examples from Thailand n Simple and sophisticated technologies can be used to address needs of people n To ensure serving people, think of : n ethics n Laws and regulations n Prioritization of issues e. g. choice of technology, local relevance, obsoleteness n Economic justification n
Globalization has been unequal n n n n Market has been globalized Environment and people have been out of globalization Science has been globalized Barriers to technology transfer Current models of technology transfer and international assistance are not working as well as many would have hoped Problems: biotechnological underdevelopment are transreligious, trans-cultural and cut across the barriers of religion, language, color, gender or creed…need common solutions? One size fits all? Traditional knowledge?
How to bridge these inequities n n n Have a more inclusive view of science and technology Connect science to Millennium Development Goals Society should be central in shaping the direction of S&T Science for policy and policy for science Policy is the major determinant in tackling poverty not technology
The way forward n n Empowering people Empowering countries
Empowering people Access to knowledge n Ability to use / employ their knowledge effectively (do something about the brain drain) n Evaluate current practices and propose a comprehensive overhaul of the approach to capacity building for science and technology n Multidisciplinary? Multisectoral? approach n
Empowering countries n n n n Formulation of appropriate policies; training of policy makers Create a critical mass of scientists Investment/funding in science and technology Create well-functioning and inclusive education system Facilitate global knowledge exchange Strengthen linkages between institutions of higher education Strengthen industry, government and private research institutes linkage
Empowering countries n n n Formation of a holistic national innovation network Develop effective and replicable capacitybuilding strategies Scientific and technological capacity specifically targeted to addressing regional challenges Promote both South-South and North-South collaboration Utilize the talents of female researchers and scientists
Areas of action Common actions to tackle common problems n Effective collaboration and cooperation among organizations and people n Link national strategies with global development goals e. g. MDGs n Ownership as a principle in international cooperation n Priority areas? E. g. ICT, biotechnology, nanotechnology, material science etc. n
Example of Japan n n A nation, poor in natural resources, that has built its economy on science and technology Government commitment and heavy investment in science and technology Cooperation with neighboring countries on science and technology is a strategic objective in Japanese government planning Two examples of cooperation: n n Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology STS forum
How we proceed in the working groups
General Guidelines n Rapporteurs have been assigned to every working group to assist the chair person in preparing a report on the conclusion. n Each working group will have two sessions: two hours in the morning (11: 00 -13: 00), and an hour and half (14: 30 -16: 00) in the afternoon of 24 th August. In total, each working group will have three hours and half for its deliberations.
General Guidelines n Each working group has a designated chair person, two rapporteurs, and in principle three invited speakers. n Invited speakers are expected to speak for about 20 minutes each in the morning of August 24 th. After their presentations, the discussion starts in the morning session (about 1 hour), leading to a conclusion in the afternoon session
General Guidelines n The session in the afternoon of August 24 (1. 5 hours) is dedicated to questions and answers, discussion, and drafting of conclusions n Each chairman is expected, with the help of the rapporteurs, to submit to the plenary at 16: 30 on the 24 th August, a short report that could be elaborated for the planned publication of the conference.
General Guidelines The report should highlight 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The main points of discussion Specific trends Challenges and opportunities The role of UN system, in particular that of UNU and UNESCO Specific proposals for future actions
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