91麻豆天美

25 September 2024

Earlier this month, the UN Technology Bank visited Ankara to meet and listen to our clients from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). We also had discussions focused on using science, technology and innovation to deliver results to LDCs with ambassadors, government officials, and development partners.

Briefing to the LDCs Ambassadors

A major highlight of our visit was the productive engagements with 27 Ambassadors from LDCs, where we listened to their priorities and shared perspectives on our results.  Convened by H.E. Aden H. Abdillahi, Ambassador of Djibouti and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ankara, the dialogue sparked dynamic exchanges about national priorities and how the UN Technology Bank can support them.

Both H.E. Esen Altug, Director General of Multilateral Economic Affairs at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UN Under Secretary General, Rabab Fatima emphasized United Nations Technology Bank's growing importance in accelerating development through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). They underscored the need for sustained efforts to align the Technology Bank’s work with LDCs' national goals, advocating for robust partnerships to strengthen outcomes.

During the briefing the interest was palpable, with each representative eager to explore new ways to engage with the United Nations Technology Bank.

Engaging with MIKTA Group

Our visit also included a valuable exchange with Ambassadors from the MIKTA Group —representing Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Australia. Discussions focused on how MIKTA countries, with their strong expertise in innovation, could support the LDCs. These conversations opened new doors for collaboration and highlighted the potential for MIKTA’s Centers of Excellence to play a key role in helping LDCs bridge the technology gap.

Bilateral Engagements with Ambassadors and Partners

The mission was rounded out with bilateral meetings with a variety of key stakeholders, including ambassadors from Niger, Ethiopia, Sweden, Qatar, Denmark, and Saudi Arabia. These discussions were critical in strengthening existing partnerships and securing future collaborations in STI, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, digital transformation, and capacity building.

The Road Ahead

Our mission to Ankara concluded on a highly positive note, with significant progress made towards forging new partnerships and raising the visibility of the UN Technology Bank's work in LDCs. The interest generated among the LDCs Ambassadors, in particular, underscores the importance of our efforts in supporting the world’s most vulnerable countries through Science Technology and Innovation. Listening to our clients and stakeholders is a key element in shaping our new Strategic Plan 2025 – 2027 as ramp up our support to LDCs and deliver results, where they matter, on the ground, and in the lives of people. The United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries is committed to this agenda.