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Scientific and Technological Development and Technological Innovation Committee to Meet Monday

03
March
2006
Beirut

The Third Meeting of the UNESCWA Consultative Committee on Scientific and Technological Development and Technological Innovation (ESTIC) is due to take place on 6 and 7 March 2006 at the Holiday Inn Dunes Hotel (Verdun) in Beirut. A major focus of this meeting will be the establishment of the ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC).

Starting at 10am Monday morning, Committee members will discuss and enhance the pre-feasibility study for the establishment of the ETC to submit it as a report, together with a draft resolution, to the UNESCWA 24th ministerial session that will be held during 8-12 May 2006. Additionally, the meeting will direct UNESCWA’s Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD) in setting up a strategic vision for the coming four years in line with the needs of the UNESCWA member countries. The main issues to be addressed at the Third Meeting of ESTIC are: Progress made in the implementation of the recommendations of the 2nd meeting of the ESTIC, and proposed list of recommendations for the 3rd meeting; objectives and activities of the proposed ESCWA Technology Centre; pre-feasibility study for the establishment of the Technology Centre; experiences in similar Technology Centres; financing and identification of the most appropriate location for the UNESCWA Technology Centre; ICTD previous activities 2004-2005, and work programme for 2006-2007 biennium; and the proposed strategic framework for 2008-2009.

The following results are expected to be submitted to the 24th Ministerial Session for approval by UNESCWA member countries. The most important meeting outcome will be a final Pre-feasibility Study on the establishment of the ETC, with recommendations related to its establishment; a draft resolution related to the ETC that will be proposed for adoption at the Session; recommendations for essential changes to the 2006-2007 work programme; and a refinement of the proposed strategic framework for 2008-2009.

Participants will include a selected group of distinguished managers and experts in science, technology and innovation, including ICT, from academic institutions, research centres, governmental institutions, ministries and enterprises engaged in innovative activities, as well as representatives of international and regional multilateral development agencies. For more information: http://www.escwa.org.lb/divisions/events/6Mar06.asp.