USCIB Reports on Outcomes of UN Meetings on Science and Technology for Development

Elizabeth Duncan at the Commission on Science and Technology for Development.

Elizabeth Duncan, Manager, Digital at USCIB, participated at the 29th Session of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) from April 20-24 in Geneva. The session resulted in member countries adopting two resolutions: one on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and one on Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Duncan reports that member countries reviewed progress on the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) at the regional and international levels, considering its recent 20-year review. The WSIS created the CSTD to shepherd progress on a dynamic and inclusive information society.

“It is critical that this work reflects the challenges, success points, and places where business can help build a global environment that fosters innovation and investment,” said Duncan.

The resolution reiterated many of the strategic components of the WSIS +20 Review from December, which are aligned with USCIB objectives in the digital policy realm. A key outcome is that the WSIS Implementation resolution, historically negotiated annually at CSTD, will now be negotiated on a biennial basis going forward. At the 29th session, the members addressed the priority theme on Science, Technology and Innovation in the age of AI.