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Initial Meeting on Science & Technology Capacity Building for Sustainable Development, February 19-21, 2003, Islamabad - Pakistan Introduction One of the primary reasons for the increasing gap in the economic progress of the developed and the developing countries is their respective ability to harness their resources in a long-term perspective. Latest research has shown that it is not only important to be equipped with resources but even more imperative is the capacity to achieve a sustainable level of such assets so as to maintain and increase the prospect of growth and prosperity. Capacity is defined as the ability of individuals, organizations, or societies to set and implement development objectives on a sustainable basis. Addressing individual capacities encompasses the skills and aptitudes of particular entities, and their translation into organizational capacities. However, organizational capacities engulf internal institutional structures, collective staff capacities and an enabling environment altogether, that is policy framework and related factors. Nevertheless, capacity building is a multi-dimensional challenge, which aims at enhancing the ability to address and assess policy choices and modes of implementation among development options, based on the environmental constraints and potentials as well as the needs identified by the people of the concerned society. Objectives Science and technology have been identified as the key areas for achieving the goal of consistent and continued progress. Therefore, the Initial Meeting on Science and Technology Capacity Building for Sustainable Development endorses the idea of developing indigenous capacities, in terms of areas of concern and importance to developing nations with particular reference to S&T. Supporting S&T Capacity Building is a multi-facet task that requires investment - primarily by countries themselves - in both human and capital infrastructure. Furthermore, investment in systems of higher education, research endeavors and training facilities by internal and external sources is a prime need. Consequently, direct stakeholders of this challenge have been identified as the government, research organizations, academic institutions, development and donor agencies, the private sector and S&T organizations. With the objective of identifying and understanding the challenges of S&T Capacity Building in the developing world and devising a strategic path for implementable solutions for such issues, the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) is organizing a two-day Initial Meeting on Science and Technology Capacity Building for Sustainable Development. The meeting is to be attended by leading scholars, eminent scientists, heads of research and S&T institutes, representatives of local and foreign donor/development agencies and technologists from various fields. Thrust Areas The learned gathering is expected to address the following key aspects:
Information/Registration For information and registration, please contact: Mr. Tajammuul Hussain Miss Zainab Hussain Siddiqui
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