PH Chairs 3rd Session of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation (CICTSTI3)
Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. delivers his opening remarks for the 3rd Session of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation (CICTSTI3) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Photo captured via livestreaming from UNESCAP’s official website.
PASAY CITY 25 August 2020 — Scientific and Technical Services of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. was elected as Chair of the 3rd Session of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation (CICTSTI3) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) which was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 19-20 August 2020.
The CICTSTI3 consisted of meetings where representatives of UN Member States shared experiences and deliberated on policy issues in the areas of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Science, Technology and Innovation. It also highlighted key focus areas that are pertinent for policy development in the Asia-Pacific region and provided guidance to the secretariat on its programme of work.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CICTSTI3 was held through hybrid format, both virtually and physically, for Bangkok-based delegates, at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. The successful participation of the Philippine delegation was coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) and the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok.
Aside from Undersecretary Solidum, the Philippines was represented by officials from the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok; Mr. Napoleon E. Concepcion, Governor of the Board of Investments (BOI)-Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and Dr. Anthony C. Sales, Regional Director, DOST Regional Office XI.
In his opening remarks, Undersecretary Solidum, who participated in the session virtually, acknowledged the important role that technology and digital innovations play, especially as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are thankful to the Commission for opening up this opportunity to exchange ideas and identify areas for collaboration on topics such as technologies, ICT, space application, and initiatives to enable Member States to get back on track and to build back better towards the achievement of the SDGs. This will be beneficial not just for our present situation but also in preparation for our future,” Undersecretary Solidum said.
The DOST Undersecretary, who also led the Philippine delegation to the CICTSTI3, also served as a speaker for Agenda Item 2, “Collaborative actions to harness technologies during pandemics” (Agenda 2) where he highlighted how the Philippines applies science, technology and innovation in its COVID-19 response.
BOI Governor Concepcion and DOST Regional Director Sales also served as speakers for Agenda item 5b, “Policies to enable business innovation for inclusive and sustainable development”, Agenda item 5a, “Guidelines for inclusive technology and innovation policies for sustainable development”, respectively. END