HomeAN ARAB REGION ROUNDTABLE ON HARNESSING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY, DUBAI – FEBRUARY 2005
An Arab Region Round table on Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainability, 18 –19th February 2005, Dubai Police Officers Club, in collaboration with the Academy of science for the Developing Countries (TWAS) of the UNESCO.
The Objective of the Round table was mainly to strengthen the contributions of Science and Technology to Sustainable Development. Hence, it was meant to:
The Round table focused on priorities for sustainable development that are consistent with the UN’s Millennium Development Goals: promoting social and economic development while conserving natural resources and the environment. Within that framework, the Round table focused further on needs and opportunities of particular relevance to the Arab States, while recognizing that details will differ within the region according to local realities. In particular, the participants explored how the challenges of accelerating economic growth, relieving poverty, and enhancing human capital [health, education, gender equality] in the region can be met while at the same time relieving environment and resource problems associated with water deficits, desertification, and biodiversity loss. Special attention was given to the cross-cutting themes of governance and policy for science and technology in addressing these priorities.
The outcome of this unique round table was the "Dubai Appeal for Science and Technology" in which scientists appealed to the Arab Governments and International Organizations to strengthen the role of Science and Technology in the implementation of national and regional Sustainable Development plans.
- Create and support adequate enabling environments for scientific research.
- Act as a catalyst for networking and create linkages to share success stories about the role of S&T in meeting the challenges of sustainable development.
- Identify centers of excellence in the Arab region and mobilize resources from national and international funding sources to them.
- Strengthen the use of existing scientific knowledge.
- Enhance education and training.
- Identify institutional arrangements needed to address critical issues.