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Science & Innovation Policy: Capacity building

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International bodies

Displaying 1-16 of 16 links

Climate Development Knowledge Network

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) aims to support decision-makers in designing and delivering 'climate compatible' development.

They attempt to do this by combining research, advisory services, resources, and knowledge management in support of locally owned and managed policy processes.

They have worked in partnership with decision-makers in the public, private and non-governmental sectors nationally, regionally and globally.

The website provides details on key research areas, past and ongoing projects, as well as research calls for future work.

Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS)

The Commission is an intergovernmental and international organisation aimed at the uplift of developing countries through applications of science and technology. Established in 1994 at the instigation of Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, it has 21 member countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. It runs meetings and workshops as well as a network of centres of excellence in selected areas of science and technology.

Consortium on Science, Technology and Innovation for the South (COSTIS) (formerly Third World Network of Scientific Organisations (TWNSO))

An international NGO, TWNSO was founded at the initiative of the Third World Academy of Sciences by ministers of science and technology and higher education and heads of science academies and research councils in developing countries to promote science-based sustainable economic development.

Economic Commission for Africa

The ECA helps African governments develop policies for economic and social development, including enhancing the role of science and technology. It carries out policy research, disseminates information, promotes co-operation and offers policy advice to different stakeholders. It also runs a collaborative policy research network — the ECA Science and Technology Network — promoting the dissemination and exchange of information on science and technology management and policy issues in Africa.

Global Biodiversity Information Facility

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility is an international, government-funded initiative focused on providing free and open access to biodiversity data online for scientific research, conservation and sustainable development.

The website provides an Internet-based index of primary biodiversity data, such as museum specimens and field observations of plants and animals in nature; community-developed tools for formatting and sharing data; and capacity building through training, including access to international experts and mentoring programmes. The website links to relevant reports and news, and publishes information in different languages including English, Chinese and Korean.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

The International Atomic Energy Agency, an independent UN organisation, works with member states to promote the safe, secure and peaceful development of nuclear technology. The website outlines the organisation's five key areas of work which include helping countries to use nuclear technology for sustainable development, building capacity in energy planning, and providing a framework to protect people's health against radiation. It also signposts relevant resources such as reports, conferences and research laboratories.

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS

UNAIDS is the main advocate for global action on HIV/AIDS, bringing together the expertise, resources and influence of its joint organisations (UNICEF, UNDCP UNFPA, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank). Together with the WHO, UNAIDS produces the most comprehensive and widely consulted source of statistics on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, at both the global and regional level. UNAIDS also produces fact sheets and reports on various issues including mother to child transmission, gender, access to drugs, vaccines and young people.

New Partnership for Africa’s Development

NEPAD is an economic development programme of the African Union. It aims to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable growth and development, integrate Africa in the world economy and accelerate the empowerment of women. Developing science and technology is a high priority and NEPAD provides policy guidance at continental, regional and national levels.

The NEPAD website, available in English or French, provides news and information on all of NEPAD's activities and hosts a discussion forum that anyone can contribute to.

South–South Initiative for Tropical Diseases Research (SSI)

SSI was set up in 2001 to facilitate sharing of resources among research groups in Africa, Asia and Latin America in order to increase competitiveness and optimise scientific opportunities. It provides assistance for proposal development through annual workshops and helps organise annual training courses on leading-edge technology for tropical disease research application in disease endemic countries.

Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

An independent global programme of scientific collaboration co-sponsored by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its goal is to help coordinate, support and influence global efforts to combat a portfolio of major diseases of the poor and disadvantaged, including malaria.

It funds research teams in developing countries to improve on and develop approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control. It also supports capacity-building and implementation of new methods. These activities are focused in Africa, South-East Asia and South America. The website provides useful information in clear, accessible language on research activities, as well as background information on disease and transmission. It contains animated graphics of parasites' lifecycle, and a searchable archive of over 13,000 images related to tropical diseases freely available for non-commercial purposes. Download pdf 

Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review

The Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER) is a network of independently established regional fora for ethical review committees, health researchers and invited partner organisations. As well as providing information about the fora, this site contains links to relevant organisations, as well as to guidance from the World Health Organisation and others about research ethics and ethical review.

The Biosafety Clearing House

The BCH is designed to help parties to the Biosafety Protocol share information on living modified organisms. The website provides information on national regulations, risk assessments, regulatory decisions and clearances, a list of designated technical experts, information about existing genetically modified organisms and details on capacity building initiatives and projects.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a UN agency that aims to help people overcome poverty by increasing their access to technology, financial services, markets, land and natural resources.

Its website presents an overview of its activities, news, events and downloadable reports. IFAD also publishes video content on its work.

Third World Organization for Women in Science (TWOWS)

TWOWS is an international forum aimed at uniting eminent women scientists from the South with the objective of strengthening their role in development and in scientific and technological leadership. An independent, non-profit, non-governmental body based at the offices of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World in Italy, its activities include providing fellowships and maintaining an inventory of women scientists in the South.

UN Economic Commission for Africa Science and Technology Network

ESTNET promotes the dissemination and exchange of information on science and technology management and policy in Africa. Its main objective is to raise awareness among policymakers and other stakeholders of the role science and technology plays in African social and economic development. To this end, it presents a catalogue of relevant institutions and funding agencies as well as event listings. It also provides summaries of projects, journals and documents that deal with science and technology in Africa. In addition, policymakers can use ESTNET's database of consultants to search for experts in science and technology for development.

UNDP’s Special Unit for South–South Cooperation (SU/SSC)

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1978 and hosted by the UN Development Programme, the unit’s primary mandate is to promote, coordinate and support South–South cooperation and cooperation with the UN. It focuses on policy dialogue and development, public–private partnership and southern development exchange.