AN INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Read the full "REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL ON THE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, AS A CATEGORY 2 CENTRE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF UNESCO" (176 EX/16, 9 March 2007).

The Government of Malaysia has proposed the creation of an international centre for South-South cooperation in science, technology and innovation in Kuala Lumpur to be established under the auspices of UNESCO. Emphasis of the centre would be on facilitating the integration of a developmental approach into national science and technology and innovation policies, organizing capacity-building, providing policy advice and exchange of experience and best practices, and conducting research and problem-solving in science, technology and innovation (STI) policy in developing countries.

The Malaysian authorities proposed that the international center be based initially in the Academy of Science Malaysia (ASM). This is a public institution, established in 1993. After the development period of a maximum of five years, the center is to be relocated to a separate facility located in Kuala Lumpur (core facility) and become an independent public sector entity from the hosting institution (ASM). Ultimately, at the end of the five-year development period, the center would have its own full complement of regular experts, technical and support staff.

The Malaysian Government ensures that the international center will be a public institution established under Malaysian national law. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) is responsible for the center. The center will create and implement its own programs
and activities.

The proposed center will act as an international platform for South-South cooperation in science, technology and innovation, It is to make use of the network of the G77 plus China and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Consultations have identified the overall goal of the proposed centre to be an increase in the capacity for management of science, technology and innovation throughout developing countries.

The cooperation expected from UNESCO once the proposed center is established is as
follows:

(a) UNESCO would provide technical and administrative assistance for the establishment and operation of the proposed center, including assistance in the formulation of the short-term, medium-term and long-term programs of the proposed center;
(b) UNESCO will encourage international governmental and non-governmental financial entities, as well as Member States of the Organization to provide financial and technical assistance and to propose appropriate projects to the proposed center. UNESCO will facilitate contacts with other international organizations relevant to the functions of the proposed center;
(c) UNESCO will provide the proposed center with publications and other pertinent
materials and will disseminate information on the activities of the proposed center via the website and other mechanisms at its disposal; and
(d) UNESCO will participate, when appropriate and subject to availability of funds, in the scientific, technical and training meetings held by the proposed center.

This feasibility study reported positively on the proposal, stating that there are sound justifications for the establishment of such an international center in Malaysia. The proposal is described as having a clear set of objectives with welldefined modalities for achieving those objectives. Indeed, the experts reported that it "has become clear that such an initiative is necessary."

The results appear to be in keeping with a recommendation of the Foreign Ministers of the Group of 77 and China made last September.