QUEZON CITY- The Philippine Statement delivered by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña at the Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) featured the DOST’s scientific efforts in recovering from the pandemic and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.

The seventh annual STI Forum, with the theme “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” was held in a hybrid format on 5-6 May 2022 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.

As practiced in previous years, experts and representatives from various sectors around the world gathered together at the STI Forum to exchange insights on issues and topics aligned with the priorities of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. This year’s discussions zeroed in on the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation in SDGs 4 on quality education, 5 on gender equality, 14 on life below water, 15 on life on land, and 17 on partnerships for the Goals.

The Philippines, through the representation of DOST Secretary de la Peña, showcased the country’s various STI programs in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. These include the Harmonized National R&D Agenda 2017-2022, technology breakthroughs in agriculture and marine resources, drug discovery and health programs, waste-to-energy facilities and hybrid vehicles development, scholarship offerings in STEM, food security programs, and science-based interventions for livelihood. 

Ministers and government leaders also shared their best practices in response and recovery from COVID-19. The DOST chief also highlighted that the country provided funding support to research studies on COVID-19 supplemental medicines, needed medical equipment and biomedical devices, and repurposing of available technologies.

At the end of the statement, Sec. de la Peña stated that “for sustainable recovery, investment should be made in research and development, infrastructure, and STI ecosystem. Short- to long-term agenda must also be set.”

Distinguished speakers of the Forum collectively called for harnessing full STI potential for the benefit of all sectors in all countries. (DOST)