KATHMANDU, Sept 17: The G77 and China STI Summit held in Havana, Cuba, on September 15-16 has concluded successfully. During the program Dr Bedu Ram Bhusal, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, delivered a statement on behalf of the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) under the theme “Current development challenges: the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation” on Saturday.
In his address, the Minister highlighted the importance of science and technology, including the latest technologies associated with the fourth industrial revolution, for socio-economic development, combating climate change and fighting against pandemics and other vulnerabilities.
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He expressed serious concerns over the technological and digital divide between the developed and developing nations, particularly, the LDCs. “We must keep on pushing for the transfer of technologies from the developed nations, which has not materialized even after decades in spite of concrete promises," he emphasized. The Minister also underlined the need of promoting STIs through public policies, incorporating them in education systems and encouraging technological entrepreneurship. He called for the cooperation of the global South to implement the Doha Program of Action for the LDCs, which features the development of STIs in LDCs as a key priority.
Speaking in the national capacity, Minister Bhusal shed light on the development policies and priorities of Nepal, including preparations to graduate from the LDC status. The Summit adopted the Havana Declaration on “Current development challenges: the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation” as its outcome.
Minister Bhusal also met Ydael Jesus Perez Brito, Minister for Agriculture of Cuba in the afternoon. In the meeting, they shared views about the agriculture policies and priorities of the sector, focusing on how agriculture production could be increased with the help of mechanization and technology.
The Minister congratulated his counterpart for the successful Summit and expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended. He is scheduled to depart from Havana today.
