DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña states that during the pandemic “digital innovations led to shifts to mobile or online applications and software to deliver public services and conduct business transactions. This has proved that science, technology, and innovation is a powerful tool in addressing the different needs of society.” (Photo credit: New York PM)
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 05 May 2022 — Secretary Fortunato de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called science, technology and innovation a “powerful tool” in addressing the different needs of society, while elaborating on STI’s role in the country’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts and its Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda 2017-2022. Secretary de la Pena delivered the Philippine statement at the Ministerial session of the 7th Annual Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum 2022) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
On STI’s role towards SDGs’ achievement in the Philippines, Secretary de la Peña elaborated on technology breakthroughs in agriculture and marine resources, drug discovery and health programs, waste-to-energy facilities and hybrid vehicles development. He also spoke about scholarship offerings in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), food security programs, and science-based interventions for livelihood, some of which are especially designed for women, indigenous peoples and vulnerable sectors.
The Secretary also stressed the importance of strengthening research and development, infrastructure, and STI ecosystem; formulating inclusive policies and programs for governments to engage in multistakeholder collaborations; and adopting a whole-of-society approach, with financial, technical, and technological assistance extended at the grassroots level.
The STI Forum is held annually under the auspices of the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to discuss science, technology and innovation cooperation around thematic areas for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The forum is co-chaired by two Member States and will result in a summary of discussions elaborated by the two co-Chairs. It is also an important component of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM) which is aimed at facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships through the sharing of information, experiences, best practices and policy advice among Member States, civil society, the private sector, the scientific community, United Nations entities and other stakeholders. END