It is essential for a sustainable recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic to invest in research and development; infrastructure; as well as Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the top official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) bared.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña made the statement during the Multi-Stakeholder Forum on STI for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He added that short to long-term agendas must also be set Harnessing the power of STI, DOST shared to a global audience its efforts in helping the country recover from the pandemic and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
De la Peña led in highlighting the country's scientific approach during the seventh annual STI Forum, with the theme “Science, technology and innovation for building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” was held in a hybrid format on last May 5 to 6, 2022 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.
There, various experts and representatives from various sectors around the world gathered together at the STI Forum to exchange insights on issues and topics aligned with the priorities of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
In a statement, DOST said that this year’s discussions zeroed in on the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in SDGs 4 on quality education, 5 on gender equality, 14 on life below water, 15 on life on land, and 17 on partnerships for the Goals.
De la Peña showcased the country’s various STI programs in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. These include the Harmonized National R&D Agenda 2017-2022, technology breakthroughs in agriculture and marine resources, drug discovery and health programs, waste-to-energy facilities and hybrid vehicles development, scholarship offerings in STEM, food security programs, and science-based interventions for livelihood.
Ministers and government leaders also shared their best practices in response and recovery from COVID-19. The DOST chief also highlighted that the country provided funding support to research studies on COVID-19 supplemental medicines, needed medical equipment and biomedical devices, and repurposing of available technologies.
Distinguished speakers of the forum all called for harnessing full STI potential for the benefit of all sectors in all countries.