Participating in the OECD Science and Technology Policy Ministerial in Paris on 23-24 April, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean emphasized the importance of utilizing science, technology, and innovation to facilitate the transition to clean energy, reduce environmental pressures, and promote inclusivity and fairness in communities. She also acknowledged the potential challenges of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI).
In this regard, UNECE is prepared to collaborate with OECD to align its efforts on transformative innovation – particularly through its Transformative Innovation Network (ETIN) – with the newly adopted OECD Ministerial Declaration on Transformative Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.
During her bilateral meetings with Ivan Bogdan-Gruia, Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalization of Romania; Martina Hirayama, State Secretary at the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of Switzerland; and Oddmund Hoel, Minister of Research and Higher Education of Norway, the UNECE Executive Secretary reiterated this message.
Ms. Molcean also discussed with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann on how to advance the work on transformative innovation, especially in preparation for the upcoming UN Summit of the Future, which will focus on transformative science, technology, and innovation. She also addressed the broad cooperation between UNECE and OECD in environmental matters, including joint efforts towards green economic transformation.
During an OECD thematic discussion on artificial intelligence in science and for innovation, Ms. Molcean highlighted that UNECE develops norms, standards, guidelines, and best practices in various areas related to sustainable development. She also mentioned that UNECE is assessing the use of AI in its work to assist member States in utilizing it in a manner that aligns with the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
On the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial, Ms. Molcean also met with Mr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), to discuss the transition to clean energy, resilient energy systems, cooperation on methane management, and sustainable and responsible use of critical raw materials.
Photo credit: OECD