As part of his speech at the Summit, the Philippines´ Secretary of Science and Technology Renato Solidum called for the creation of a fairer integrated system of science, technology and innovation in the international community.

Through joint efforts of the G77+China and South-South cooperation, we can reform international platforms and mechanisms such as the United Nations by making them more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the Global South, especially Small Island Developing States, he said.

The official said that it is clear to his country that today´s challenges are being aggravated by inequity.

Poverty, hunger, food insecurity, health, energy, gender inequality, digital divide, disasters and climate change are among greatest and main challenges we must face, he acknowledged.

He therefore deemed it imperative to develop accessible instruments that can help the global south to address these issues.

“We recognize that the value of science, technology and innovation in providing solutions is paramount,” Solidum stressed, while mentioning that his nation has drawn up some strategies to prepare its citizenry in skills development and offers financial and technological support.

One of his country’s main programs is the technological advancement program for small businesses, through which the government facilitates actions to cover their technological needs.

The other main program is community empowerment through training, consulting and technology programs in health and nutrition, water, sanitation, basic education and literacy, as well as adaptation to climate change, he added.

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