Speaking at the 8th multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Permanent Representative (PR) of India to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, showcased India’s technological advancements that have had a global impact on SDGs.
The theme of the forum held at the UN Headquarters was “Innovating to deliver on the SDGs.”
Strengthening Institutions, Developing Digital Infra, and Forging Partnerships
Addressing the Trusteeship Council, the Indian PR said we must pay attention to building institutions, scaling up education and training, developing digital infrastructure, and creating partnerships to achieve the SDGs.
The diplomat highlighted that strong scientific institutions must be established to amplify research and development capacity. Addressing the forum, Kamboj said there is a need to increase education, training, and skilling and investment in human and institutional capacity.
Mentioning that India is opening more universities and schools while also making it easier for start-ups to do business there, she added that the emphasis should be on expanding investment in suitable digital infrastructure.
Urging the members to deploy South-led innovations, she said that these platforms can be customised to suit local needs. Giving the example of India’s ‘AADHAR,’ Kamboj said that tech-driven businesses and services can help achieve the SDGs. She further stressed the need for strong partnerships and pooling of resources.
“Strengthened science, tech, and innovation cooperation is key to accelerate our collective response towards full implementation of Agenda 2030,” the PR added.
#India's scientific community & pharmaceutical industry 🧬 has been developing & producing safe, effective & affordable vaccines 💉 consistently!
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) May 3, 2023
- PR @ruchirakamboj at 8th Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology & Innovation for #SDGs
Link: https://t.co/v8YsII760S pic.twitter.com/sL444WUKmq
India’s Efforts to Attain SDGs
Kamboj also mentioned that the scientific community and pharmaceutical industry of India have been developing and producing safe, effective and affordable vaccines consistently. She cited various examples of India’s technological progress aiding its achievement of SDGs.
These include India’s efforts for cheap and efficient vaccine development, mooting the International Solar Alliance with France, and the coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure to exchange knowledge on disaster resilient infrastructure.
Additionally, she underlined that India offers training courses across premier Indian institutions to around 160 nations under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. India has enabled African students to pursue online degrees using e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati Network projects. India also inaugurated the National Forensic Sciences University in Uganda last month.
The PR’s address also referenced Indian development efforts in Pacific Islands, Liberia, Malawi, and Gambia.
Concluding her speech, Kamboj mentioned that India is on its way to establishing the ‘Global-South Center of Excellence’ for research on development solutions and has launched the ‘Global-South Science and Technology Initiative’ to share expertise in space technology and nuclear energy.