Science, technology and innovation for sustainable development A/RES/74/229 Welcoming the convening of the first to fourth annual multi-stakeholder forums on science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, noting with appreciation the ongoing work of the United Nations inter-agency task team on science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, and looking forward to the development of an online platform as a gateway for information on existing science, technology and innovation initiatives, mechanisms and programmes, as the three components of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism, Noting the ongoing efforts of the World Intellectual Property Organization to assist Member States in establishing intellectual property strategies and national ecosystems that promote innovation and creativity and support the flow of knowledge and technical expertise, Noting also the existing efforts and contributions of the regional economic commissions on science, technology and innovation for sustainable development, Recalling the importance of supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063, as well as its 10-year plan of action, as a strategic framework for ensuring a positive socioeconomic transformation in Africa within the next 50 years, and its continental programme embedded in the resolutions of the General Assembly on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development and regional initiatives, and in this context noting the Declaration of Sharm el-Sheikh, adopted by the African Union in October 2019, which commits to work towards an integrated and inclusive Digital Society and Economy in Africa that improves the quality of life of Africa ’s citizens, Reiterating the pledge that no one will be left behind, reaffirming the recognition that the dignity of the human person is fundamental, and the wish to see the Goals and targets met for all nations and peoples and for all segments of society, and recommitting to endeavour to reach the furthest behind first, 1. Reaffirms its commitments made in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development 9 on, inter alia, science, technology and innovation, as an important action area for sustainable development; 2. Also reaffirms its commitment to continue promoting the use of science, technology and innovation in facilitating efforts to address global ch allenges, such as efforts to eradicate poverty; achieve food security and nutrition; increase agricultural productivity; enhance access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all; fight diseases; improve education; protect the environme nt and address climate change; 3. Further reaffirms its commitment to the actions agreed upon by the least developed countries and development partners on science, technology and innovation, as outlined in paragraphs 52 and 53 of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011–2020; 10 4. Notes the central role of Governments, with active contribution from stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, academia and research institutions, in creating and supporting an enabling environment at all levels, including enabling regulatory and governance frameworks, in accordance with national priorities, to nurture science, innovation, entrepreneurship and the dissemination of knowledge and technologies that is on mutually agreed terms, particularly to micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as industrial diversification and value added to commodities; __________________ 9 10 19-22501 Resolution 69/313, annex. Report of the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, Istanb ul, Turkey, 9–13 May 2011 (A/CONF.219/7), chap. II. 5/9