'Strengthen global science to reach development goals', UN General Assembly told
The heads of international scientific, engineering and medical organisations have called on the UN General Assembly to strengthen worldwide capacities in science, technology and innovation in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The joint statement was delivered through the International Council for Science (ICSU) ahead of the UN General Assembly's world summit in New York, US, from 14 to 16 September. In the statement, the leaders of many of the largest international scientific unions argue that a concerted effort by the world's scientists, engineers and medical experts is needed to help implement effective programmes to significantly reduce global poverty and its related problems. 'Stronger worldwide capacities in science and technology are necessary to allow humanity to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals,' reads the statement. 'Sustained progress in reducing poverty and related problems will require strengthened institutions for science, technology and innovation throughout the world, including in each developing nation.' The statement goes on to list a number of actions that leaders at the General Assembly are urged to take 'without delay'. 'For our part, we also commit ourselves to working with appropriate partners to help implement these urgent actions,' the heads of the scientific organisations add. The first step that world leaders must take is to recognise that science, technology and innovation are essential components of effective strategies to reduce poverty and associated its problems such as illiteracy, hunger, discrimination against women and environmental degradation. Having done so, the transfer of scientific capacities should be encouraged not only between developed and developing countries, but also among the nations in the developing world. Ensuring that all scientists and academic institutions enjoy good connectivity to the Internet is a vital component of this knowledge sharing for capacity building, the statement adds. Next, heads of State and Government should recognise that developing countries will need sound mechanisms and infrastructure in order to apply scientific and technological knowledge to national problem solving. 'Each nation must have a source of independent, credible, and timely advice to government policymakers and the public on critical issues involving science and technology,' reads the joint statement. It adds that support should be given to developing countries to revitalise their universities and create centres of excellence in science, engineering and medicine. Finally, the statement calls for the creation of local enterprises that can apply scientific knowledge and technology in order to better meet the needs of the poor, and provide local infrastructure and services for economic and social growth. Thomas Rosswall, executive director of ICSU, concluded: 'Science is essential for sound decision making as well as for technological development and national innovation systems. The MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] can be met if international science is strengthened for the benefit of society. Science and technology are necessary, but not sufficient, prerequisites for achieving the MDGs.'