Science, Technology and Innovation and Digital Cooperation
Pact for the Future – Chapter 3
Science, Technology and Innovation and Digital Cooperation
Pact for the Future – Chapter 3
By Our Future Agenda – UN Foundation
A Call for Bold Action
Leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation and Digital Cooperation to Leave No One Behind
Imagine a world where scientific and technological breakthroughs benefit everyone – where a child with a disability in a rural village has the same access to assistive technology as a child in a bustling city or where scientists from developed countries are able to share their latest discoveries with scientists from developing countries freely.
This is not a distant dream, but a very real possibility, if the global community steps up. Today, technology is racing ahead, but millions are stuck at the starting line, without access to the innovations that could change their lives. The gap between those who can harness the power of science and those left behind is growing wider.
We are at a critical turning point, and the decisions we make now will determine whether technology lifts up entire societies or deepens existing divides. The chapter makes it clear: time is running out, and we need to act now.
With the world facing rising challenges – from climate change to persistent poverty – science, technology, and innovation offer a way forward.
A Call for Bold Action
Leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation and Digital Cooperation to Leave No One Behind
Imagine a world where scientific and technological breakthroughs benefit everyone – where a child with a disability in a rural village has the same access to assistive technology as a child in a bustling city or where scientists from developed countries are able to share their latest discoveries with scientists from developing countries freely.
This is not a distant dream, but a very real possibility, if the global community steps up. Today, technology is racing ahead, but millions are stuck at the starting line, without access to the innovations that could change their lives. The gap between those who can harness the power of science and those left behind is growing wider.
We are at a critical turning point, and the decisions we make now will determine whether technology lifts up entire societies or deepens existing divides. The chapter makes it clear: time is running out, and we need to act now.
With the world facing rising challenges – from climate change to persistent poverty – science, technology, and innovation offer a way forward.
Key Themes for
Global Transformation
Supporting all Countries to Reap the Benefits of Science, Technology and Innovation
Not all the benefits scientific and technological progress can bring are equally shared among all countries of the world. For example, while some countries are leading groundbreaking scientific discoveries, others are struggling to access the technology needed to ensure their populations are free from hunger. This is unacceptable. Achieving this vision involves supporting these countries accessing the technology they need, creating mechanisms for knowledge sharing and capacity building, strengthening all types of cooperation across nations, and inviting the private sector to invest in science, technology and innovation.
Upholding Human Rights
Technological, scientific and innovation breakthroughs can benefit societies immensely but can also be very damaging if human rights are not protected. This means ensuring that scientific inquiry is carried out in an ethical manner and scientists are able to do so freely and safely, that companies developing new technologies respect human rights and uphold ethical principles, or that new and emerging technologies empower persons with disabilities.
Gender Equal Tech
If technology is going to be the great equalizer, it has to work for everyone – especially women and girls. The digital gender divide is real, and the chapter demands action to close it. It’s not just about making sure women have access to technology, but about empowering them to lead in science, technology, and innovation. The future of tech isn’t just for the few – it’s for everyone, and women must play a central role in shaping it.
Supporting Indigenous Knowledge
Modern technology doesn’t have all the answers. Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems, passed down through generations, are equally valuable in addressing today’s challenges. The chapter recognizes the importance of respecting and integrating this wisdom with science and innovation. It’s a call to honor and protect Indigenous practices while ensuring that technology can serve local communities in culturally relevant ways.
6 Tangible Actions
Action 28: Harnessing innovation for People and Planet
It’s time to seize the moment. This action calls for a global commitment to make science, technology, and innovation work for everyone, not just the wealthy few. Governments and international bodies must ensure that the benefits of technological breakthroughs are shared widely, with a focus on building trust in science and fostering global cooperation on innovation. We’re all in this together.
Action 29: Scaling Up in the Global South
Think of science and technology like the tools needed to build a better world. Some countries have all the latest tools, while others are still catching up. To fix this, countries are stepping up to help developing nations get the resources they need to use science and technology to grow, fight climate change, and improve people’s lives. It’s like sharing the best equipment with your teammates so everyone can work together and win. The plan includes increasing support through things like knowledge-sharing, financing, and training, making sure developing countries can use tech to solve problems like poverty, hunger, and climate change. Countries are also focusing on partnerships with businesses to create an environment where innovation can thrive and make a global impact, while ensuring everyone has access to the latest breakthroughs and tech products.
Action 30: Human Rights at the Core of Innovation
We’ve seen how powerful technologies can transform lives – but they can also infringe on rights if not handled with care. Action 30 puts human rights front and center, demanding that all scientific research and technological advancements protect human dignity and freedom. From safeguarding researchers to ensuring the vulnerable aren’t left out, this action is about making sure technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
Action 31: Gender Equality Through Technology
The future is gender inclusive, and technology can help make that future a reality. Action 31 addresses the barriers that keep women and girls from fully participating in and benefiting from science and technology. It calls for increased efforts to close the digital gender gap and ensure that women are not just users of technology, but leaders in its development.
Action 32: Protecting Indigenous and Local Knowledge
Technology and tradition don’t have to be at odds. Action 32 commits to fostering partnerships between modern science and traditional knowledge systems. It’s about finding synergies that honor Indigenous and local practices while leveraging science to create sustainable solutions.
Action 33: The UN Leading the Way
The United Nations has a critical role to play in making sure the world stays on track. Action 33 focuses on strengthening the UN’s capacity to support international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. The chapter endorses the Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board and commits to monitoring global progress in closing the science, technology, and innovation gap. It’s a call for global leadership and accountability.
International Cooperation and the Path Forward
Technology has the potential to reshape our world – but only if we work together. The chapter emphasizes that international cooperation is not just important – it’s essential. Developed and developing countries must join forces, with the support of international financial institutions, private sector leaders, and civil society, to build a future where science, technology, and innovation benefit everyone.
Looking ahead, key milestones like the high-level political forums will serve as checkpoints to assess our progress. But this isn’t just about meetings and reports – it’s about real, tangible action that changes lives. The path forward requires sustained investment, innovative partnerships, and a relentless focus on closing the gaps that threaten to leave millions behind. Technology is the key to a better future, but only if we unlock it for everyone.
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