Rio+20 must launch SDGs to guide countries through complex development challenges, argues Colombian ministry official Paula Caballero Gómez.

Conflicts over shared water resources could be mitigated through science-based environmental cooperation, argue Saleem Ali and Pamela Griffin.

Handing out free laptops to schoolchildren is not enough to improve education in Pakistan, says Pervez Hoodbhoy.

Pakistan urgently needs to refine its crop yield forecasting and estimation system to improve food production, says Ibrar ul Hassan Akhtar.

Next month's meeting in Brazil needs send the right signals to encourage progress on sustainability, says ODI's Claire Melamed.

Technological innovation can't be imposed on poor people — they must be engaged to select ideas that suit their lives, writes Lawrence Gudza.

Current models of innovation ignore small-scale technology — institutions must ensure it's a key part of the agenda, says Tony Marjoram.

New models of intellectual property rights are needed to protect — and promote — local knowledge and innovations, says Anil Gupta.

Stunning fundraising success at Stellenbosch University is a model for others in Africa, but leadership is crucial, says Linda Nordling.

A culture of favouring science over technology comes at the expense of both technologists and research outputs, writes engineer Huafeng Wang.

Countries in the region need an organised, concerted effort to strengthen scientific input into decision-making, urges Crispin Maslog.

Poverty, governance and population growth — not physical availability of water — are the real challenges for the continent, says Roger Calow.

India's scientific research is flagging — its revival will depend on changes in leadership and culture, says Gautam R. Desiraju.

Several Muslim countries rank among the world's most efficient innovators. They must build on this success, says Athar Osama.

Africa's health research capacity is growing but needs a stronger workforce, say Carel IJsselmuiden and colleagues.

Africa must use this week's science forum to adapt its innovation initiatives to fit a changing world, argues Linda Nordling.

There is a pressing need for Africa to bolster its pharmaceuticals industry, and that requires the right policy framework, argues Priya Shetty.

Improving health for the poor depends on nurturing local innovations — and learning how to deliver them, argue Abdallah Daar and Peter Singer.

India should establish a Young Academy to promote research-based solutions to development challenges, says Raghunath Mashelkar.

Pakistan’s universities need to have academic freedom to excel, rather than churn out fake research papers, says Pervez Hoodbhoy.