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Kofi Annan, the secretary-general of the United Nations, has described the Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net) as an "encouraging" example of ways to help developing countries build up capacity in science and technology.

But, he says, "more is needed" if the potential of science and technology to help countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals is to be met. "Reaching these goals requires us to tap into human creativity, resourcefulness and innovation to the fullest extent," says Annan.

His comments come in the current issue of the journal Science, in which he welcomes a report on worldwide capacity building in science and technology published last week by the InterAcademy Council — a body that brings together more than 90 scientific academies around the world.

Annan points out that, among the opportunities currently opening up, "new forms of communication now allow scientists in even the least developed nations to join research collaboration with colleagues in neighbouring countries or on the other side of the world".

For example, SciDev.Net "offers up-to-date information on science-related issues to the developing world".

Link to Kofi Annan's editorial in Science