Addis Ababa — The South African Department of Science and Technology teams-up with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) next week to host an STI on technologies for the implementation of the sustainable development goals at the annual African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) that takes place in Marrakesh, Morocco, from 16 to 18 April 2019.

The multi-stakeholder forum for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) on SDGs for Africa will showcase the role of STI and available technologies on the continent that could assist in the successful implementation of the SDGs.

The platform will also facilitate discussions on the means required for supporting STI in implementation of the SDGs.

Mr. Kasirim Nwuke, Chief of the Technology, Innovation and Green Economy Section in the Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Division at the ECA, says the side event is crucial, especially given the centrality of technology and innovation to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa's Agenda 2063.

"We have to move to tap the transformative power of science, technology and innovation if the continent is to achieve the SDGs. We only have 10 or so years to go so no stone should be left unturned to achieve sustainable development goals," he said.

The science-policy interface has become an increasingly important component of the UN system in order to guide evidence-based sustainable development policy design, implementation, follow-up and review. It has also been integral in identifying emerging needs, drawing links between the interconnected nature of thematic issues, and devising solutions to address challenges and barriers to progress.

In line with the guidance of the High-Level Political Forum, which is mandated to monitor and review the implementation of the SDGs, the dialogue will be aligned to the SDGs that will be reviewed in the 2019 ARFSD under the theme; "Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality".

The ECA has been helping member States to formulate their STI policies, strategies and plans as well as in the reform of their science systems through the provision of guidelines and methodologies, technical advice and guidance on formulation, implementation and monitoring.

Delegates to the forum will be selected from strategic STI partner countries, business, the African Development Bank, African Union, the Southern African Development Community, local authorities; non-governmental organisations, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and UN Regional Commissions and others.

Date: 16 April 2019, Marrakech: 9:00-12:30