Science and Technology

 Convener: UNESCO ; and vice convener: UNECA

A new cluster on science and technology was recently established to support the work of NEPAD in this important area. Although the newly established cluster is yet to be convened under UNESCO and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), it is already working closely with the NEPAD secretariat and other regional organizations on policy and other implementation issues relating to NEPAD. Such involvement includes:

(a) the organization of the preparatory meeting held in Nairobi in October 2003 and the First NEPAD Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology, held in Johannesburg, South Africa in November 2003, for which UNESCO provided financial and technical support;

(b) assistance in the development of terms of reference and identification of experts using its extensive knowledge of the African scientific community;

(c) follow-up actions of the Action Plan, particularly on the African Green Revolution Initiative (Strategic Agricultural Commodities), the NEPAD Centres of Excellence Initiative (Africa Biosciences Facility Consultative Meeting, held from 28 to 31 January 2004).

The cluster has also been actively involved in the work on the African brain drain, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and the NEPAD secretariat. Looking ahead, the cluster envisages:

(a) participating in follow-up activities of the NEPAD plan of action, as approved bythe African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology; and

(b) linking theNEPAD plan of action on science and technology with the science and technologycluster established under the regional consultative meeting in support of NEPAD.