Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD)
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and serves as the United Nations focal point for science, technology, and innovation (STI) for development. It analyzes how STI, including information and communications technologies (ICTs), enable the 2030 Agenda.
Key Activities
The CSTD acts as a forum for strategic planning, sharing best practices, and providing foresight on critical STI trends. It draws attention to emerging technologies and hosts the secretariat since 1992 through UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
28th Session Details
The 28th session will take place from 7-11 April 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The session will feature two priority themes:
- Diversifying economies in a world of accelerated digitalization
- Technology foresight and technology assessment for sustainable development
The commission will also review progress made in implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20 review) at regional and international levels.
Participation and Logistics
Participants will include representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. The session will be conducted with simultaneous interpretation in the six official UN languages.
Key Documents and Presentations
The session will feature various reports and presentations, including:
- Report of the Secretary-General on the progress made in WSIS implementation
- Reports on the priority themes
- Presentations on ongoing STI policy reviews and technical cooperation activities
