5.1: International Outreach
Ensure the full participation of scientists from developing and transition countries in international science, including both
the planning and implementation of the ICSU strategy and activities of the ICSU community.
Other Information:
For a myriad of reasons, most of which eventually relate to a lack of financial resources, the latest developments in science
are not readily available to scientists in many countries. The poorer developing countries are in many ways those most in
need of scientific knowledge to provide solutions to their socioeconomic challenges. At the same time, investment in science
is frequently a low priority for these countries and they have relatively weak scientific infrastructures. Under these conditions,
the ability of scientists in developing countries to link to international activities and to influence international research
agendas can be severely compromised. This in turn creates a major problem for the global community as research is skewed towards
a fraction of the world and its problems, whilst significant gaps in knowledge, e.g. in relation to biodiversity or disease
epidemics, remain unaddressed. Following a review of past initiatives to promote science and technology in developing countries
(ICSU 2002a), the General Assembly recommended that four ICSU Regional Offices be established in Africa, the Arab Region,
Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. This marks a fundamental change in ICSU structure, the aim of which
is two-fold. Firstly, it should enhance participation of scientists and regional organizations from developing countries in
the programmes and activities of the ICSU community. Secondly, it will allow ICSU to play a more active role in strengthening
science within the context of regional priorities, particularly in countries where science is less well developed. In 2004,
it was agreed to establish the first Regional Office in South Africa (see Box 3). At the time of writing, consultations are
actively underway with other regions, with several potential host countries having being identified. In addition to the four
Regional Offices, special efforts will be necessary over the next six years to increase the involvement of countries from
the former ‘Eastern Block’, including the Commonwealth of Independent States and West Balkan countries. These countries have
a solid scientific research base but they are facing major problems in finding the necessary resources to support their scientific
institutions. ICSU has a potentially important contribution to make by ensuring the participation of scientists and their
representative institutions from these countries in international activities. The 2002 review of past activities in developing
countries also recommended the creation of a new Policy Committee for Developing Countries. This Committee will have an important
role to play in providing vision and advice to the Executive Board on the advancement of science and the contribution of science
to society in developing countries.
Objective(s):
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