On the 5th of April 2022 - As an important input to the 7th STI Forum, to celebrate the launch of the Massive Open Online Course Develop and Implement Science Technology and Innovation for SDG Roadmaps - Level I, developed by UNITAR and UNDESA's Division of Sustainable Development Goals (UN DESA/DSDG), partners and stakeholders gathered online and discussed its significance, journey and the road ahead for the United Nations Inter-agency Task Team on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs (IATT).

Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations' General Assembly in 2015, the pathways to achieve sustainability have sparked global reflections and efforts. Meanwhile, inequalities, instability and environmental catastrophes multiplied.

Much like great societal transformations of the past, science, technology and innovation have an essential role to play to support urgent systemic changes and the advancement toward a more sustainable world. This is especially true given the unprecedented progress of this current era.

To assist member-states approach and mobilize these powerful leverages and much more, UN DESA/DSDG developed the Guidebook and  Operational Note for implementing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for SDGs Roadmaps based on the work of the United Nations Inter-agency Task Team on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs (IATT).

Drawing on this Operational Note, UNITAR and UN DESA developed a comprehensive, self-paced and free online course to strengthen countries' and national stakeholders' capacities to develop and implement STI for SDGs Roadmaps as well as attract global assistance in doing so.

Through the journey of the fictional country of Southlands - inspired by pilot countries that received assistance to formulate their own roadmaps - participants will learn more about key concepts, methodology, processes, different approaches and stakeholders relevant to the development of STI for SDGs Roadmaps.

UNITAR and UN DESA encourage anyone interested in learning more about the topic and, more particularly, key stakeholders involved in these processes especially agencies and ministries in charge of national development, STI or SDGs plans to follow the course and start their journey to be an actor of change.

The development of the Level II course on the design and implementation of STI for SDG roadmaps is already underway by the Joint Research Center of the European Commission and partners so stay tuned!