By Yi Whan-woo
The Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Innovative Development jointly hosted a workshop in Uzbekistan's capital of Tashkent, Nov. 3, to discuss solutions using innovative technologies to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.
Tasked with promoting sustainable, equitable and inclusive science, technology and innovation development, the APCTT operates under the wing of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The workshop took place on the first day of the virtual InnoWeek 2020 expo organized by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Innovative Development. The expo was a part of the International Week of Innovative Ideas from Nov. 3 to 8.
Many of the technologies brought up were related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data and intelligent manufacturing systems.
The participants in general viewed that such technologies offer novel and efficient ways for containing the spread of the pandemic, facilitating accelerated research and development and supporting economic recovery.
They also viewed the 4IR-related technologies can enhance access to information and promote collaborative R&D and innovation, and accelerate sustainable development progress in the region.
"The year 2020 is a year to remember. We are all severely affected by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether we are rich or poor," APCTT head Michiko Enomoto said. "At the same time, the COVID-19-related challenges united us and the whole world to fight against this pandemic. The role of science, technology and innovation is more important than ever."
The APCTT assessed strengthening international cooperation through a workshop is "more important than ever" considering the global impact of the coronavirus.
"The regional workshop provided a unique opportunity for countries to share national, regional and global best practices as well as practical experiences from the region to increase knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic" it said. "Workshop recommendations on strategies to facilitate innovations to adjust, mitigate the pandemic's impact and support socio-economic recovery will serve as a guide to member states in developing focused programs and strengthening technological capacities."
ESCAP serves as the United Nations' regional hub promoting cooperation among countries to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. It has 53 member states including Korea.
The commission focuses on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is reinforced and deepened by promoting regional cooperation and integration to advance responses to shared vulnerabilities, connectivity, financial cooperation and market integration.
The Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Innovative Development jointly hosted a workshop in Uzbekistan's capital of Tashkent, Nov. 3, to discuss solutions using innovative technologies to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.
Tasked with promoting sustainable, equitable and inclusive science, technology and innovation development, the APCTT operates under the wing of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The workshop took place on the first day of the virtual InnoWeek 2020 expo organized by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Innovative Development. The expo was a part of the International Week of Innovative Ideas from Nov. 3 to 8.
Many of the technologies brought up were related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data and intelligent manufacturing systems.
The participants in general viewed that such technologies offer novel and efficient ways for containing the spread of the pandemic, facilitating accelerated research and development and supporting economic recovery.
They also viewed the 4IR-related technologies can enhance access to information and promote collaborative R&D and innovation, and accelerate sustainable development progress in the region.
"The year 2020 is a year to remember. We are all severely affected by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether we are rich or poor," APCTT head Michiko Enomoto said. "At the same time, the COVID-19-related challenges united us and the whole world to fight against this pandemic. The role of science, technology and innovation is more important than ever."
The APCTT assessed strengthening international cooperation through a workshop is "more important than ever" considering the global impact of the coronavirus.
"The regional workshop provided a unique opportunity for countries to share national, regional and global best practices as well as practical experiences from the region to increase knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic" it said. "Workshop recommendations on strategies to facilitate innovations to adjust, mitigate the pandemic's impact and support socio-economic recovery will serve as a guide to member states in developing focused programs and strengthening technological capacities."
ESCAP serves as the United Nations' regional hub promoting cooperation among countries to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. It has 53 member states including Korea.
The commission focuses on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is reinforced and deepened by promoting regional cooperation and integration to advance responses to shared vulnerabilities, connectivity, financial cooperation and market integration.
