Geneva - The Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Maria do Rosário Bragança, on Monday highlighted the consistent way in which the Angolan government has contributed to sustainable development in the field of science, technology and innovation.
According to the minister, the government's contribution is part of the ongoing review of the national science, technology and innovation policy.
Maria do Rosário Bragança made the statement in Geneva, Switzerland, at a ministerial round table that brought together representatives of governments, political decision-makers, international organizations, civil society and the private sector.
The event is part of the 27th annual session of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) taking place at the Palais des Nations (Geneva) to examine how to harness data and global cooperation in science, technology and innovation to accelerate sustainable development.
In her speech, the minister acknowledged the contribution and international involvement in the ongoing review process, which has been supported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Organization of African, Caribbean, Pacific States and the European Union (OACPS-EU), to better align it with the objectives of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and the African Union's Agenda 2063.
Referring to the government's efforts, the minister recalled that in 2022, Angola's Ministry of Higher Education and Science, Technology and Innovation (MESCTI), the UNDP in Angola and UNCTAD concluded a study on innovation and entrepreneurship in Angola (Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Revision - STIP Review).
The minister explained that the study served as a diagnosis for the development of policies in Angola, making the necessary information publicly available to the players in the national innovation and entrepreneurship system.
Bragança also suggested that the CSTD to establish mechanisms to monitor progress towards the realization of inclusive and sustainable STI objectives, providing accountability and guiding the necessary adjustments to strategies.
The minister also spoke of the importance of Angola's National Development Plan (PND) for 2023-2027, as part of the implementation of the long-term strategy, where science, technology and innovation are considered tools for significant progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
According to the minister, the actions of the program seek to improve the national scientific system and, consequently, contribute to technological development and innovation.
The minister also underlined the strengthening of research, development and innovation that drives actions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 13 and 16, through the transfer of knowledge produced in academia to entrepreneurs and companies.
Maria Bragança added that the approach taken by the Angolan government is particularly centered on priority sectors for economic development, namely to foster economic growth, job creation and innovation, which in turn can reduce poverty by providing income-generating opportunities and improving livelihoods, as provided for in SDG 1: "Eradicating poverty".
The minister considered it necessary to ensure that STI solutions are accessible and beneficial to all, especially marginalized communities, in order to avoid worsening inequalities.
The commission provides forecasts on critical trends in science, technology and innovation in priority sectors of the economy, the environment and society.
Angola has been following the work of this commission for 20 years. OHA/DAN/AMP
