51勛圖

Science and Technology

Engineering has always had an essential role in development and human welfare. Ensuring that future generations of engineers and scientists will be able to design solutions for local and global challenges is critical.  proclaimed the 4 March to raise awareness of the role of engineering in modern life, which is essential to mitigate the impact of climate change and advance sustainable development, especially in Africa and the small island developing states. UNESCO is placing a high priority on activities that promote awareness of engineering as a career, as well as on those that demonstrate the importance of youth studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Just 10 countries account for 90% of all global patents, and 70% of all exports, directly associated with the advanced digital production (ADP) technologies driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. UNIDOs argues that these new technologies are at the core of successful sustainable industrial development. It is calling for immediate action to .

When Burundian cassava farmers split open the plants starchy root, theyre hoping to find white flesh that resembles coconut meat. If instead the inside is marked with brown patches, its likely suffering from cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) bad news for the farmer, who can no longer eat or sell the produce, and whose entire harvest may be at risk of loss due to the disease. Cassava, a carbohydrate-rich root vegetable, is the second most important staple crop in Burundi. Low cassava yields can exacerbate the countrys food insecurity, from which half of the population already suffers. experts trained Burundian scientists in  techniques, using induced mutation and tissue culture techniques to develop a new cassava variety. 

This year, the , which honour five exceptional women scientists from different regions of the world, recognize the achievement of women scientists in the field of life sciences: biotechnology, ecology, epigenetics, epidemiology and infectiology. Each of the five laureates will receive 100,000 at a ceremony on 12 March 2020 at Headquarters in Paris. They are recognized alongside 15 Rising Talents, young women scientists from all over the world.

For centuries, women have made significant contributions to the field of science. Theyve discovered life-saving remedies, devised world-altering inventions, and produced far-reaching research, but in many cases their invaluable advances are minimized or neglected. For too long, the STEM fields have been shaped by  that exclude women and girls. The gender gap in science, technology and innovation translates to missed talent, untapped discoveries and biased solutions. Here are just you need to know and celebrate.

For , UNICEF teamed up with international cyberbullying experts, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to answer teenagers top questions about how to prevent and deal with online bullying.

woman working on science project in Colombia

Science reflects the people who make it. The world needs science, and science needs women and girls. Today, just  of researchers worldwide are women, and only 35 per cent of all students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields of study are women. On 11 February, were celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and calling on everyone to smash stereotypes, defy gender biases and defeat discrimination that hold women and girls back in STEM fields. #WomenInScience

How blockchain has transformed the lives of Ecuadorean cocoa farmers

More than half of the world's people live in cities today. By 2050, nearly seven in ten people will be living in cities. Cities account for more than 70 per cent of global carbon emissions and 60 to 80 per cent of energy consumption. Rapid urbanization has created additional challenges such as social inequality, traffic congestion and water contamination and its associated health issues. says governments and municipalities can use information and communication technologies (ICTs) and other technologies to build smarter and more sustainable cities for their citizens.

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been advancing at an exponential pace. The transformative power of AI, however, also comes with challenges, ranging from issues of transparency, trust and security, to concerns about displacing jobs and exacerbating inequalities.

Bosnia and Herzegovina veterinary authorities are better equipped to protect livestock from several animal diseases spreading in Southeastern Europe, thanks to the support of the in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 51勛圖 (). This is an important step for food security in the country and for the export of animal products and food to the European Union market.

To create a cyber-secure world, we must be as fast and globally integrated as the criminals. Facing a global threat with local resources will not be enough. Countries need to do more internally and internationally to coordinate their efforts.

Mobile phones, satellite mapping, and other technologies can help the world better prepare for and respond to disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and landslides.

Best of Innovation 2019 report cover

The Secretary-General has encouraged UN Entities to use innovative approaches and technologies to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Following this call, UN Entities have established innovation teams, promoted a culture of innovation and leveraged new technologies in their work. Take a look at the 's new report Best of UN Innovation 2019 with innovation highlights from 35+ UN Entities. 

solar panel in front of tent

Celebrated every 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the important role of science and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the relevance of science to our daily lives. In 2019, the Day is devoted to the theme of – a burning issue in the scientific community, which is gaining increasing attention by the nonscientific community, as well. Join the conversation with the hashtags #ScienceDay and #OpenScience.