Innovation and technology highlighted at Doha conference

Manama: A United Nations conference in Qatar aims to ensure that domestic policies and international action are mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable development, organisers said.

The 13th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTADXIII) is being held under the theme "Development-centred globalisation: Towards inclusive and sustainable growth and development." The forum that concludes on Thursday has provided an opportunity for policymakers and experts to discuss critical factors related to the success of international and national development policies, according to the oragnisers.

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) said that it has launched a partnership with UNCTAD to foster dialogue on key issues related to innovation and technology.

The foundation said that the accord was part of its commitment to sustainable growth. Speakers at the forum acknowledged the role of science, technology and innovation as a powerful instrument towards the realisation of Millennium Development Goals, and sought to find solutions to close gaps that still exist in the ability of developing countries to integrate such tools, QF said in a statement.

Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman of Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), and Science and Technology advisor, explained how QSTP was established to accelerate research and innovation, create partnerships within the industry and address challenges that the country faces.

Qatar has already begun to export new, homegrown technologies such as RASAD and Loghati internationally. "In a short time with the help of science and technology and a focus on market gaps and innovation, ‘Made in Qatar' technology is already leaving our shores for overseas markets," Maini said.

"The challenges we face today are so numerous that we all need to work closely together, use science and technology wisely and innovate so that future generations can lead a better life." Supachai Panitchpakdi, UNCTAD Secretary-General, stressed the importance of innovation and technology in putting forth effective strategies.

"Whether we think of climate change, food security or access to water, innovation and technology are at the core of our efforts to overcome such challenges," he said.

"Innovation and technology also play a pivotal role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It can facilitate better access to health or education services and contribute to finding locally-adaptive solutions to problems linked to access to energy, agriculture development or access to information."

Panitchpakdi acknowledged that challenges still existed, but cooperation between stakeholders could help alleviate some of the shortcomings.

"What we see is that wide gaps still persist in the ability of developing countries to harness science, technology and innovation for development. Some of the most critical disparities relate to the development of skills and capabilities to use existing technologies, access newer technology and adapt them to a local context."

According to Panitchpakdi, successful innovation depends on the presence of an open, interactive environment that should foster collaboration and exchange among a wide set of stakeholders including private companies, governmental agencies, research agencies, universities, users and consumers, as well as international partners.

Tarja Karina Halonen, former President of Finland, spoke about the power of innovation and encouraged countries to adapt national policies in a way that suits their needs.

"Our meeting takes place at a time when the international community is actively searching for ways of better harnessing inclusive development," she said. "It is not only the technical innovations, I would underline that also social innovations can support sustainable development."

During the three panel sessions, government officials, business leaders, academics and technology pioneers made practical proposals that could be developed into constructive policies.

In the first session, speakers delved into what inspired them as innovators, the challenges they faced and how their innovations have made a difference. The second session, titled ‘Innovation from within: The policy perspective,' tackled implementation challenges and the implications for policy making. The third session addressed the transformative power of Information and Communication Technology.