DOST promotes fairness, trust in global S&T innovation initiatives
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Wednesday, April 24, reiterated the importance of fair mechanisms and collaborative efforts in promoting science, technology, and innovation (STI) for sustainable development, to help other countries, especially vulnerable sectors.

At the 27th session held on April 15 to 19 in Geneva, Switzerland, DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia was elected as the Vice Chair for the Asia Pacific Group of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD).
During the forum, the DOST undersecretary emphasized the country's initiatives in harnessing data for disaster risk reduction, healthcare, medicine, and satellite data for environmental monitoring.
Buendia highlighted its STI responses such as the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, Malnutrition Reduction Program, Enhanced Nutribun, and the creation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger.
DOST said the role of CSTD focuses on analyzing pressing issues in STI and their potential contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
As a crucial intergovernmental forum within the United Nations, Bundia also called for building trust by having fair and just mechanisms.
“Let us continue helping each other, especially the developing countries and the vulnerable sectors,” She added.
As the Vice Chair of the Asia Pacific Group, DOST said she will lead discussions on national science, technology, and innovation policy reviews conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
DOST added that the Bureau consists of one chair which will rotate among regional groups each year and four vice chairs, and is responsible for coordinating decision-making points with the members of their respective regional groups.