Virtual 7th Annual Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals

“Science, technology and innovation for building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”

By Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge),

Ministry of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh

5 May 2022

Mr. President,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaste! Greetings from India.

Technology-driven creative business models and service delivery have a vast potential to fast-track the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in a cost-effective, transparent and inclusive manner. Nevertheless we need to facilitate access to technology for developing countries to tackle challenges related to sustainable development.

2. In the last two years, we have seen a global effort to overcome the challenges caused by the pandemic. India has emerged as a member of leading international scientific coalitions in the area of vaccine research. Our scientific community, along with the support of a robust pharmaceutical industry, have been successful in developing and producing safe, effective, and affordable vaccines, including the world’s first DNA based vaccine.

3. We are working actively with GAVI, WHO and ACT Accelerator. India has been strongly advocating for the principle of equity in the WHO and has also proposed, along with South Africa, a TRIPS waiver at the WTO for COVID vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines; with the aim of ensuring accessibility and affordability of vaccines for all.

4. I am glad to point over here that India developed Co-WIN App, to provide digital support to better organize vaccination drives.

5. Today the number of Internet users in Indian villages has exceeded that of the cities and Public services and last mile delivery are linked to digital platforms. All these have contributed to the advancement and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

6. In the spirit of South-South Cooperation, India is collaborating with the Technology Facilitation Mechanism and UN’s Interagency Task Team (IATT) in supporting pilot countries from Africa and other developing world in formulating and implementing their Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals Roadmaps.

7. As the current data related to COVID-19 cases demonstrates, we are still far from a post-pandemic world. Science, Technology and Innovation should therefore become an inclusive and equitable tool for SDG delivery based on affordable, accessible and available technological innovation.

I thank you. Namaste.