International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South

International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is observed on 16 September every year. Observing the day importance of Science, Technology, and Innovation are increasingly important in all spheres of human life are discussed and realized for the betterment of mankind and nature.

As science and technology rapidly advance, some developing nations are seizing the opportunity to leapfrog stages of development. Yet, for many others, this swiftly changing landscape presents significant challenges, particularly in the Global South, where governance issues and the struggle to effectively innovate and adapt are prominent. Compounding these challenges is a persistent gap in technology access between industrialized and developing countries, largely due to differences in technological capabilities and insufficient governance frameworks for widespread technology dissemination.

The International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South represents an important step in reaffirming our commitment of leaving no one behind. It underscores that advancing science, technology, and innovation is essential not only for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also creating a fairer, more participatory, and inclusive world.

For most developing countries, achieving sustainable development has become an increasingly difficult task in a world marked by economic, social, and environmental polarization, and widespread indifference to meeting the multilaterally agreed SDGs. The growing gap between political rhetoric and reality in international forums further complicates this challenge.

During the Summit on Science, Technology, and Innovation, held in Havana on 15 and 16 September 2023, the leaders of the G77 and China agreed to designate September 16 as the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South. The summit’s Havana Declaration on Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation highlights the essential role of STI in tackling development challenges by fostering better cooperation, fair access to technology, and the responsible use of scientific innovations.

On 9 January 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/78/259, officially proclaiming September 16th as the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South. The resolution underscores the importance of leveraging scientific and technological achievements for sustainable development, aligning with the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the SDGs.

The resolution also invites UN member states, specialized agencies, international organizations, academia, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to observe this International Day. It encourages them to present “initiatives, including cooperation projects in the areas of science, technology and innovation that contribute to the development of developing countries in those fields.”

Nepal has been celebrating the Science Day every year on the 1st day of the month of Ashwin (mid-September) with objective to popularize science and technology, raise public awareness, encourage innovation, and create a favorable environment for scientific talent in Nepal. 

The day was initiated in the year 2013 to promote science and technology in the country, fostering public awareness, encouraging innovation, and celebrating progress in the field. Various institutions, including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology organize various events including distributing award and prizes for innovation, and hold workshops and discussions to mark the occasion.