|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines have formalised their partnership to enhance collaboration in crucial areas, including digital readiness, innovation, climate change, the green and circular economy, and renewable energy.
The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) emphasises leveraging technologies, implementing innovative solutions, and fostering strategic partnerships. This MoU is designed to advance the objectives outlined in the DOST Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and the UNDP Country Programme Document 2024-2028.
The collaboration aims to enhance strategic cooperation to tackle complex challenges, including energy transitions, the development of smart and sustainable communities, and the engagement of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) community in development efforts.
A key focus of this partnership is to boost STI participation in multi-stakeholder collaborations, notably the Green Economy Programme in the Philippines (GEPP) led by the European Union (EU), in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. highlighted the significance of the partnership during the signing ceremony, reflecting on a history of collaboration with UNDP dating back to 2005. He stated, “Our partnership with UNDP stretches back to 2005 or perhaps even earlier–focusing on vital projects aimed at disaster preparedness, risk analysis, and community-based disaster risk management. Given our converging priorities, we see that there is an opportunity here for much broader convergence beyond the traditional areas of cooperation.”
Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative, echoed this optimism, noting the transformative potential of the partnership. “Today’s ceremonial signing is a milestone that underscores our shared commitment… As we look ahead, I am confident that this partnership will yield significant benefits for the people of the Philippines. Together we can contribute to lasting positive change and pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.”
The Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié provided an overview of the collaboration, highlighting the longstanding relationship and current and future areas of joint efforts in Innovation, Digitalisation, and Climate Action. His presentation outlined several key modalities of collaboration, including:
- Facilitating collaboration with stakeholders and development partners in designing and implementing programmes and projects.
- Ensuring participation from the whole-of-government and relevant stakeholders in project design and execution.
- Supporting the effective roll-out of partnership activities through linkages and technical cooperation.
- Providing capacity building and technical workshops through expert resources.
- Promoting and advocating for the adoption of DOST-developed technologies.
Dr. Marco Gemmer, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to the Philippines, voiced strong support for the collaboration, especially in green and circular economy initiatives, acknowledging UNDP’s role as a technical partner in the EU-GEPP.
Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation, Mr. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr., closed the ceremony by reaffirming DOST’s commitment to the successful implementation of various projects, including the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Programme and the Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement at the Local Level (DRREALL) programme. He emphasised the partnership’s role in fostering policy, opportunity, and action in multi-stakeholder platforms.
Following the signing, UNDP representatives were given a tour of DOST’s advanced research facilities, including the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AmCen) of the DOST-MIRDC, the TELA Innovation Hub of the DOST-PTRI, and the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) of the DOST-ITDI. These facilities demonstrate DOST’s commitment to scientific advancement and its potential to drive solutions and opportunities through STI.
This signing ceremony marks a renewed and strengthened partnership between DOST and UNDP, with both organisations dedicated to advancing STI as key drivers of sustainable development.
