Delegates at an international conference today discussed ways to enhance regional cooperation on collaborative research and development of new Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, machine learning, Blockchain and others, to ensure progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Jointly organized by the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Ministry of Science and Technology, China, and hosted by the Asia-Pacific Regional Innovation Knowledge Network for 4th Industrial Revolution Technologies and its Secretariat Office at Guangzhou University, China, the International Conference on Emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Technologies for Sustainable Development focused on the role of knowledge-based institutions such as universities, national laboratories and industrial and research organizations engaged in 4IR technology innovations, and also engaging policymakers from the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference also developed policy recommendations to facilitate regional cooperation for applying 4IR technologies to sustainable development challenges, promote technology transfer and accelerate diffusion.
"Advancements in science and technology, spearheaded by 4IR technologies in recent years, have led to large-scale digital transformation of the manufacturing and service sectors across the world,"said Preeti Soni, Head of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT). "These emerging 4IR technologies offer many innovative solutions and opportunities towards supporting sustainable development across the globe and especially in the Asia-Pacific region."
Established in 1977 as a subsidiary body of ESCAP, APCTT supports the member countries in strengthening their capacities on science, technology and innovation policy for fostering technology-based sustainable development. The Centre focuses on creating an enabling environment for the development and transfer of innovative technologies so that member countries can meet development challenges in today's globalized world.
