The minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology has stressed that the presidential declaration of 2012 as Year of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) calls for a reorientation of the government's development policies, reprioritisation of programmes, as well as the rethinking and remodeling of their approaches and responses to the phenomena in general.

Speaking recently during celebrations marking the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) grounds, Dr. Mamadou Tangara underscored that the declaration makes it compelling to admit reluctantly or unwillingly, the relevance, potency, and role of STI as a catalyst or stimulus for human advancement and societal development.

"It is in recognition of the significance of the president's pronouncement and the importance of STI that my Ministry, working in concert with other sectors, constituted a Technical Committee that has been working with all the regional and municipal communities to ensure that appropriate programmes, reflective of the president's vision and efforts, are development and implemented throughout the country," he told the gathering.

The Higher Education minister went on to expatiate on the significance of STI, which he said is a key enabler for creating and sustaining today's knowledge society and the global economy. He said the STI provides the essential resources and strategic investment options for building a productive and vibrant society that is adequately capacitated and strategically positioned to deal with the challenges and uncertainties of the 21st Century and the times ahead.

"For us, and for other developing countries, this is the moment to jump onto the bandwagon and embrace the opportunities that can potentially enhance our elevation on the global stage, while strengthening our capability to journey into the future fully equipped to compete in this world, which is bewildering fraught with hostilities and atrocities of unimaginable and unjustifiable proportions. This is the moment for us to build the vital and supportive assets necessary for inclusive, sustainable and equitable growth and development," he stated.