By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The UN Technology Bank for
the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) has called for increased resources to help
countries turn technology priorities into practical solutions for development,
as it marks 10 years since its establishment.
Managing Director Roland
Mollerus made the call while presenting the UN Secretary-General’s report on
the work of the Technology Bank to the Second Committee of the UN General
Assembly.
“Technology must be a driver
of development — not another source of inequality,” Mollerus said, highlighting
the need to ensure that technological progress supports national development
priorities and does not deepen existing inequalities.
The Technology Bank is
supporting countries through Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs), which help
identify technologies and solutions suited to their development needs. The
assessments have been completed in 16 countries, with four more underway in Lao
P.D.R., Nepal, Burkina Faso and Uganda.
The bank is also helping
countries translate assessment findings into implementation and investment
opportunities. In Tanzania, for example, TNA findings are informing potential
investments in fisheries, marine resources and agriculture.
Its support is expanding
into emerging technology areas, including artificial intelligence policy and
governance, digital transformation, digitalisation of small and medium-sized
enterprises, cybersecurity and AI for climate-smart agriculture.
Through its Knowledge Hub,
the Technology Bank is also strengthening access to expertise, peer networks
and learning opportunities for policymakers and practitioners.
As demand for support grows
across least developed countries, Mollerus emphasised the need to scale up the
bank’s work and ensure it has the resources required to respond to countries’
technology needs.
He thanked Türkiye, the host
country and principal donor of the UN Technology Bank, as well as China, India
and other longstanding donors and partners, for their continued support.
