SRTI Park, UN ICT Office host poverty eradication workshop
In collaboration with the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology (UN – Office of ICT), the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, SRTI Park, recently hosted a workshop titled "UN Technology Innovation Lab X SRTI Park" which focused on poverty eradication and the global sustainable development movement
SHARJAH, (Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2019) In collaboration with the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology (UN – Office of ICT), the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, SRTI Park, recently hosted a workshop titled "UN Technology Innovation Lab X SRTI Park" which focused on poverty eradication and the global sustainable development movement.
The workshop, which was for invitees only, revolved around the significance of the UN Technology Innovation Lab, UNTIL, initiative in forming strategic partnerships among governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and donors in the hope of bridging the gap to solve two of the most pressing issues of today.
The UN-led programme aims to unite all efforts and approaches to effectively address poverty and achieve sustainability. It seeks to discover, fund, and scale innovative solutions and business models according to the initiative’s core mission. In addition, UNTIL was launched to spur research and innovation in the UAE in line with the directive issued by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to apply innovation in tackling global humanitarian challenges.
Hussein Al Mahmoudi, CEO of the SRTI Park, said, "The event was an important step forward in activating international partnerships to create our future. In the region, Sharjah and the UAE are at the forefront of forming collaborative efforts designed to strengthen the path towards digital revolution, technological transformation, and economic openness.
By hosting the workshop, the park also fulfilled its mandate to attract leading international companies involved in technology, research, innovation, and knowledge to the emirate in line with the government’s socio-economic development plans."
The key speakers at the workshop included Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, the founder of Green Sheikh, who spoke about renewable energy and how we can support the new green technology.
Mohammed Al Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economy and Trade Affairs, spoke about how UAE supports the research initiatives and policies and Sharjah is developing this park that will attract well-known companies focusing on new innovations and technologies and support the economy.
Dena Assaf, United Nations Resident Coordinator, and Maurizio Gazzola, Chief Global UNTIL Programme, Office of ICT, UN, in their presentation spoke about the UN General Assembly in its resolution 68/220 recognising the vital role of science, technology and innovation, including environmentally sound technologies, in facilitating efforts to address global challenges. Information and communication technologies have been acknowledged as a cross-cutting enabler for sustainable development, economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.