The Committee on Technology for Development of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established under resolution 315 (XXVIII), of 18 September 2014. It was mandated to follow up regional priorities in the field of technology for development, including information and communications technology, Internet governance, digital economy and the information society, as well as areas related to scientific research and transfer of technology. Its tasks also include following up relevant regional and international processes, conferences and forums and coordinating regional efforts to implement decisions and recommendations of those conferences, as well as supporting cooperation with regional organizations including the League of Arab States and other specialized organizations.
The Committee on Technology for Development meets biennially, and will hold its first session on 11-12 February 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During the meeting, the Committee will review activities undertaken within the framework of subprogramme 4 of the ESCWA programme of work for the biennium 2014–2015, as well as examine the programme of work for the bienniums 2016–2017 and 2018-2019. Thematic discussions include international and regional processes of ICT for Development (ICT4D), Digital Economy and Smart Societies, global and regional processes in Science, Technology and Innovation for Development, the Innovation landscape in the Arab region, as well as ESCWA efforts in supporting Technology Transfer. The meeting also features a round table discussion on Technology and the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda in the Arab states.
