Istanbul, 31 January 2025 – The UN Technology Bank (UNTB) has unveiled its new 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, “Delivering Results for the Least Developed Countries,” aimed at fostering sustainable development through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in the 44 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The plan was officially approved during the 9th Governing Council Session held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
UNIDO, represented by Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa, Chief of the Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Division, participated as an observer. The session, which took place from January 30–31, 2025, highlighted the pivotal role of STI in driving economic growth in the world’s most vulnerable economies.
A Bold New Direction for the UN Technology Bank
Rabab Fatima, Under Secretary-General of UN-OHRLLS, opened the session by stressing the importance of the new strategic direction for the UN Technology Bank, calling it a “transformative new chapter.”
Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of UNTB, emphasized the Bank’s potential to build on the momentum created by the 2024 UN Pact for the Future and its Digital Compact, a vital initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide in LDCs, where only 35% of citizens are internet users.
UNIDO’s Continued Commitment to LDCs
UNIDO recognizes the unique challenges faced by LDCs and continues to promote inclusive, sustainable industrial development as a cornerstone of their transformation. As part of its Operational Strategy for the LDCs 2022-2031, UNIDO remains dedicated to supporting these countries in their development journey. During the session, UNIDO reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the UN Technology Bank on shared objectives.
Strategic Priorities and Key Takeaways
The session outlined key priorities for the UN Technology Bank’s work, focusing on:
- Investing in science, technology, and innovation (STI) to build capacity and create a favorable environment for development.
- Strengthening policy collaboration, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
- Enhancing knowledge-sharing through stronger connections between governments, research institutions, and the private sector to foster job creation.
UNIDO’s Role in Advancing STI
UNIDO is poised to play an integral role in advancing the UNTB’s mission to drive sustainable industrialization in LDCs. The new Strategic Plan aligns with UNIDO’s core mission to promote technological innovation, digital transformation, and industrial capacity-building in the most vulnerable economies.
Prof. Hasan Mandal, Chair of the UNTB Governing Council, highlighted the importance of the session, which marks both the culmination of efforts and a new beginning. Rabab Fatima echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the UNTB’s commitment to using technology and innovation for sustainable development.
New Partnerships and Future Collaboration
At the session’s margins, UNIDO welcomed the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), and the UN Technology Bank into the UNIDO AIM Global Alliance. This partnership strengthens the shared goal of bridging the digital and industrial gaps and ensuring that STI benefits are accessible to all.
Looking Ahead
The newly approved 2025-2027 Strategic Plan promises to empower LDCs by providing better access to knowledge, policy guidance, and capacity-building, tailored to each country’s development needs. UNIDO will continue to partner with the UN Technology Bank and other stakeholders to equip LDCs with the tools needed to succeed in the digital economy.
