New York, 7 October 2026 ¡ª Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Technology Bank Managing Director Roland Mollerus presented the Secretary-General¡¯s report on the work of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to the Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly today, highlighting the growing importance of science, technology and innovation to the development of the world¡¯s 44 LDCs.
The presentation came as the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Technology Bank marks ten years since its establishment. Mr. Mollerus highlighted the progress made over the past decade in helping LDCs move from identifying their technology needs to accessing and deploying solutions, while stressing the need to scale up delivery as technological change accelerates.
From identifying needs to deploying solutions
Mr. Mollerus highlighted Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) as being at the centre of the Technology Bank¡¯s work. Conducted in almost half of the LDCs, these country-led assessments provide an evidence-based basis for identifying national technology priorities.
He noted that the Technology Bank is increasingly moving from assessment to implementation, with TNA findings being translated into concrete opportunities and projects.
¡°In Tanzania, for example, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵTB is supporting investment opportunities linked to technologies identified through the TNA process. In other countries, recommendations are being translated into technical assistance and technology adoption projects.¡±
Mr. Mollerus also highlighted the Technology Bank¡¯s expanding capacity-building work in digital and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence policy and governance, digital transformation, SME digitalization, cybersecurity and AI for climate-smart agriculture.
As the focal point for science, technology and innovation for LDCs, he further highlighted the Technology Bank¡¯s efforts to strengthen its knowledge services through the Knowledge Hub, connecting policymakers and practitioners with expertise, peer networks and learning opportunities.
Closing the technology gap
The presentation also highlighted the significant challenges that continue to limit LDCs¡¯ ability to benefit from rapid technological change. Gaps in infrastructure, institutions and financing remain, while the pace of technological development continues to accelerate.
In 2025, only 33.7 per cent of people in LDCs used the Internet, limiting opportunities for learning, innovation and participation in the digital economy.
With the Doha Programme of Action now at its midpoint and 2030 approaching, Mr. Mollerus stressed that the years ahead will be critical for ensuring that technological progress contributes to sustainable development and does not deepen existing inequalities.
Strengthening support for the Technology Bank
Despite measurable progress, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Technology Bank continues to operate with limited financing and a small workforce. Partnerships and earmarked contributions have enabled important initiatives, but Mr. Mollerus emphasized that these cannot substitute for adequate, flexible and predictable resources.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of T¨¹rkiye, the principal donor and host country of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Technology Bank, as well as China, through the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund, India, and the Bank¡¯s historic donors and partners for their support.
¡°Responsibility for supporting this mandate cannot rest on a small number of partners,¡± Mr. Mollerus said. ¡°A broader and more diversified base of support is now essential.¡±
He encouraged Member States and partners to translate their commitment to the LDCs into concrete support for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Technology Bank, including through voluntary contributions.
Technology as a driver of development
Looking ahead, the Technology Bank is focused on building on the foundations established over its first decade and expanding support to LDCs.
¡°With the necessary resources, we can help ensure that technological progress becomes a driver of inclusion and transformation, rather than another source of inequality,¡± Mr. Mollerus said.