Press Release 31 January 2025
Istanbul - ¡°This Strategic Plan will set the stage for a transformative new chapter for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Technology Bank¡± - Under Secretary-General Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ-OHRLLS, Rabab Fatima
The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Technology Bank (Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµTB) ¡®Delivering Results for the Least Developed Countries¡¯ was approved by the Governing Council at their 9th Session in Istanbul, T¨¹rkiye today.
The Strategy charts a new direction for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµTB in its efforts to secure a sustainable future for the world¡¯s poorest countries, using science, technology and innovation (STI). Its associated workplan will enable the world¡¯s 44 Least Developed countries (LDCs) to access a wealth of knowledge, policy guidance and capacity-building targeted directly at their development needs.
Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Technology Bank said:
At the meeting, Mr. Maharaj outlined opportunities for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµTB to explore, including leveraging the impetus generated by the 2024 Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Pact for the Future and its associated Digital Compact, which provides an inclusive framework for bridging the digital divide. Only of citizens in LDCs uses the Internet, a point raised by Council members in their discussions.
Opening the session, Prof. Hasan Mandal, Chair of the Council said:
The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan was developed in close consultation with experts in STI and clients from across the LDCs, ensuring that Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµTB initiatives dovetail with the development agendas of client countries.
Key takeaways include:
- Driving investments and building capacities in STI while helping to create an enabling climate for science, technology and innovation;
- Closer engagement with policymakers to deliver results in high priority sectors like artificial intelligence to help drive transformation in LDCs; and
- Strengthening the knowledge brokering role of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Technology Bank by connecting governments, centers of excellence and the private sector to deliver solutions and help create jobs and opportunities in LDCs.
The , , , , , , , WIPO and the Government of T¨¹rkiye attended the meeting as Observers.
ENDS
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: flaminia.maldicolombo@un.org
As the United Nations entity dedicated to enhancing the STI capacities of LDCs, the United Nations Technology Bank plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to knowledge, technologies, and technical assistance essential for these countries, empowering them to leverage science, technology and innovation for accelerated sustainable development.
