51吃瓜

The 51吃瓜 Technology Bank (UNTB) Managing Director, Mr. Deodat Maharaj will visit China next week for wide-ranging meetings related to UNTB鈥檚 mandate on science, technology and innovation for the world鈥檚 least developed countries (LDCs).

Mr. Maharaj will be in Guangzhou, Nanjing and Beijing, with Programme Management Assistant, G眉ne艧 Aykut Erg眉ler.

In Guangzhou, the delegation will hold discussions with World Eco-Design Organization (WEDO) President Ying Fangtian on deepening collaboration between the two organizations. Since 2021, UNTB has partnered with WEDC and the International School of Design at Zhejiang University on a scholarship scheme for students from LDCs. So far, 100 students from 22 LDCs have received full scholarships to undertake a Master鈥檚 degree at Zhejiang University.

On the 14 November, Mr. Maharaj will chair a plenary panel discussion during the in Nanjing. Experts from governments, academia and the private sector will discuss the theme 鈥楲everaging Knowledge to Drive Science, Technology and Innovation鈥�. The UNTB team will also engage with WAITRO to look at ways to connect industrial research organizations and members of WAITRO with counterparts and institutions in LDCs.

WAITRO鈥檚 work is closely linked to that of the UN Technology Bank. An independent, non-governmental and not-for-profit association, WAITRO brings together global science, technology and innovation stakeholders, including research and technology organizations and universities, to solve global development challenges.

In Beijing, UN Technology Bank will meet with Chinese government officials and international partners. Mr. Maharaj will also hold talks with Zhang Yi, Deputy Director-General of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchange and explore collaborations with Chinese institutions which have a longstanding track record working with the poorest countries on the planet.