Science, communication, aid and diplomacy - SciDev.Net

Science, communication, aid and diplomacy - SciDev.Net: "Science, communication, aid and diplomacy

David Dickson

16 July 2010

Negotiations must be informed, not driven, by science

Flickr/UN Climate Talks

Helping developing countries communicate and use science is essential to international aid and diplomacy.

The biggest single factor limiting developing countries' potential for achieving sustainable economic growth — or even attaining the Millennium Development Goals — is their ability to access and apply the fruits of modern science and technology.

This statement is more complex than it sounds. There are, for example, many political and economic obstacles to accessing science and technology. And even if access is granted, using science and technology effectively and adapting knowledge to local conditions remains challenging."