91制片厂

By Emek 陌lke Alpan, Administrative Officer, United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries

In April 2025, I had the opportunity to accompany Mr. Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank, on a mission to Geneva. Our objective was to present the UN TBLDC鈥檚 new Strategic Plan for 2025鈥�2027 and to engage with key UN agencies, member states, and development partners. The plan focuses on three pillars: conducting Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) to identify gaps in LDCs, building the capacity of policymakers to implement effective STI strategies, and leveraging global knowledge to deliver results. These themes guided our conversations throughout the week, as we sought to align efforts and build meaningful partnerships.

Our meetings were rich in substance and collaboration. At the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), we discussed joint efforts in capacity building and were invited to speak at the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Seville. With UNCTAD, we explored joint projects in Malawi and Tanzania and discussed access to their expert rosters and STI databases. WIPO offered avenues for collaboration through its Academy and project knowledge base, while the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) expressed interest in co-financing TNAs and co-hosting events. Each engagement reinforced the shared commitment to supporting LDCs in their technological transformation.

Diplomatic meetings added another layer of depth to the mission. The Permanent Missions of Finland, Kiribati, T眉rkiye, and the Pacific Islands Forum expressed strong interest in regional projects and capacity-building initiatives. We discussed the importance of aligning with national development plans, such as Kiribati鈥檚 KV20, and explored the potential for future missions, including one to Helsinki. These conversations underscored the importance of diplomacy in advancing development goals and ensuring that our work is grounded in local priorities.

As we returned from Geneva, we carried with us not only a list of action points but also a renewed sense of purpose. The mission reaffirmed the UN Technology Bank鈥檚 role as a connector, a catalyst, and a champion for LDCs in the global innovation ecosystem. With the support of our partners, we are more determined than ever to ensure that no country is left behind in the digital age.