| |
|
Joint science academies’
statement: Science and Technology for African Development
Science, technology and innovation are familiar issues to
the G8. In 2000 in Okinawa, G8 leaders established a task force to address
the global digital divide, and at the 2003 summit in Evian, G8 leaders
endorsed an action plan for science and technology in sustainable
development. There is a clear continuing need for these important
initiatives.
We would like to stress, more generally, the
fundamental importance of science, technology and innovation in tackling a
wide range of problems facing Africa and other developing regions. The goal
of securing a sustained improvement in the living standards of nations is
highly complex and should be informed by scientists along with economists,
social scientists and other experts in the field of development. At the
heart of this endeavour, alongside issues of governance, security and trade,
lies the capacity of nations to engage with global science and technology.
We, the national science academies of the G8 nations
and the Network of African Science Academies, therefore call on world
leaders, including those meeting at the Gleneagles G8 Summit in July 2005,
to implement the following recommendations without delay. For our part, we
also commit ourselves to working with appropriate partners towards these
urgent goals.
|
