The Commission, a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council with an overall focus on technology development and capacity-building, has, over the past two years, been examining information and communication technologies (ICTs) as "pervasive" tools with global impact. At the Commission´s sixth session, the debate will include technology transfer, diffusion and capacity-building with regard to ICTs that can enhance the competitiveness of developing countries and transition economies. The Commission will also consider the findings and recommendations of its three panels of experts, which since 2001 have covered the measurement and benchmarking of technology development, the role of foreign direct investment in transferring technology and building national ICT capabilities, and policy options for developing countries.
In addition, the Commission will review progress made since its fifth session in 2001, especially in coordinating work on biotechnology, disseminating information on science and technology, and developing special programmes for science and technology diplomacy, and will draw up recommendations for the future.
Established in 1992 as the coordinator of science and technology activities within the UN system, the Commission provides high-level advice to help guide the work of the United Nations in this field, develop common policies, and agree on appropriate actions. Since July 1993, the UNCTAD secretariat has been responsible for the substantive servicing of the Commission, which as of this year will meet annually.
Current members of the Commission include Algeria, Austria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Lesotho, Morocco, Paraguay, the Philippines, Romania, the Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka and Sudan.
