Chair and Co-Organizer: Deodat Maharaj, General Manager, United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries.

Introduction

The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are the poorest and most vulnerable 45 countries on the planet. A normal growth trajectory will be insufficient to help them create opportunities and options for their people, and they will continue to lag behind the rest of the world. They need to find ways to fast-track their development.

Leveraging knowledge to drive science, technology, and innovation (STI) represents a crucial pathway for fostering sustainable development and narrowing global disparities. By capitalizing on the expertise and resources of developed nations and the Global South specifically in the STI space, LDCs can boost their development trajectory. This collaborative approach not only facilitates the transfer of valuable knowledge but also promotes a more inclusive and equitable global innovation ecosystem.

According to World Bank Statistics, in 2023 the number of people living in 45 LDCs is around 1.15 billion with an annual population growth of 2.3% whereas globally the population growth is only 0.9%. When it comes to GDP growth, LDCs have annual growth of 3.7% whereas for OECD member countries, the rate is only 0.9%. These indicators underscore the considerable potential and attractiveness of LDCs for investment and development initiatives.

The United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries (UNTB), being the single UN entity, dedicated to strengthening STI capacities of the 45 LDCs plays a crucial role in strengthening STI capacities in the world’s least developed countries. As a global organization, the UNTB focuses on bridging the digital divide and promoting sustainable development through technological advancements.

WAITRO, on the other hand, brings together research and technology organizations (RTOs) worldwide, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Objective

The objective of this session is to demonstrate a common understanding of the needs and opportunities in LDCs. This will lead to an engagement with WAITRO members on possible areas of collaboration to drive transformation in LDCs.

Expected Outcomes

• Identify Partnership and Business Opportunities in LDCs

• Exchange of Knowledge among the participants from different sectors and countries

• Profiling of Flagship Projects

• Create awareness and interest regarding the LDCs

• Actionable Insights and Commitments

Panel Participants

• Moderator:

Mr. Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director, UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries.

• Panelists:

Prof. Hasan Mandal, WAITRO President, Rector of Istanbul Technical University

Hans-Erich Schulz, the Chief Executive Officer for the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI)

Telesphore Mugwiza, Division Manager of Applied Research & Development Division at NIRDA, Rwanda

Wang Qin, ex-manager of Jiangsu Science and Technology Department

Agenda

I. Opening Remarks – Deodat Maharaj

II. Flagship Examples – UNTB Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs)- Deodat Maharaj

III. Perspective of LDCs; The needs and opportunities- WAITRO Member from an LDC

IV. Innovative South-South Collaboration – WAITRO Member from global south

V. The important role of private sector for leveraging knowledge in LDCs – WAITRO Member from private sector

VI. Best Practices for technology transfer initiatives –Prof. Hasan Mandal

VI. Plenary Discussion and Q&A (35 minutes)

Why Attend?

I. Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: WAITRO members can actively participate in technology transfer initiatives facilitated by the UNTB. By sharing their expertise, RTOs contribute to building sustainable productive capacities in least developed countries.

II. Knowledge Exchange: WAITRO members can collaborate with the UNTB to transfer relevant technologies, best practices, and research findings, enhancing the technological capabilities of LDCs while providing valuable insights to WAITRO members.

III. Capacity Building Workshops: WAITRO might organize workshops, webinars, and training sessions in partnership with the UNTB. These events empower LDCs by improving their understanding of cutting-edge technologies, research methodologies, and innovation management.

IV. Problem-Solving: WAITRO’s expertise in various fields (such as agriculture, environment, health, and education) aligns with the UNTB’s focus areas. By working together, they can develop innovative solutions to address specific challenges faced by LDCs.

V. Leveraging Resources: WAITRO members can pool resources, including funding, infrastructure, and human capital, to support collaborative research. In return, they gain access to real-world contexts and data from LDCs, enriching their own research endeavors.

VI. Policy Recommendations: WAITRO can collaborate with the UNTB to formulate policy recommendations at national and international levels. Such recommendations can emphasize the role of science, technology, and innovation in achieving sustainable development goals.

Join us in this opportunity for collaboration, bridging knowledge gaps, and creating a brighter future together!