- Post-pandemic era, the challenges of science and technology



The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced that it hosted the International Conference on Science and Technology ODA at Seoul National University (Global Convention Plaza) on December 4 (Fri.).
※ S&T international development cooperation (ODA): government assistance program (ODA, Official Development Assistance) which contributes to resolving issues in developing countries through S&T and promoting sustainable development
※ (Host) MSIT (Organizers) National Research Foundation of Korea, Green Technology Center, Academic Society for Appropriate Technology



In the conference held virtually this time due to the spread of the coronavirus, achievements in S&T international development cooperation over the past year were shared under the theme of "Post-Pandemic Era, the Challenges of Science and Technology". The event also served as the venue to discuss how to provide scientific and technical support to developing countries after the COVID-19 outbreak.



This year marks the 11th anniversary in hosting International Conference on Science and Technology ODA, which is a key international event in science and technology, with the participation from international organizations, scientific and technical experts from home and abroad and ODA implementing agencies.



In the event, keynote lectures were delivered by Mr. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Mr. Jerome Kim, Director-General of International Vaccine Institute, Professor Barrett Hazeltine of Brown University, President Yoon Je Yong of Korea Environment Institute and Mr. Kim Jin Yong, Director of Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine Department at the Incheon Metropolitan City Medical Center.



In the afternoon session, in-depth presentations and discussions were held on the role of science and technology for combating COVID-19 through international collaboration from various areas including appropriate technology, healthcare and ICT.



In addition, a separate session was organized for presenting ideas in international development cooperation using science and technology including appropriate technology. Through this session, SS&T international cooperation was explained to teenagers and relevant information was also shared.



Mr. Jung Hee-Kwon, Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau of the MSIT, said, "International development cooperation projects have become more critical over time for providing support to developing countries at a time when the gap between developed and developing countries has increased."



Director-General Jung added, "Based on the SS&T partnership with developing countries, the MSIT will continue to identify and support a variety of effective cooperative programs, so that developing countries can not only overcome the COVID-19 crisis but also become more independent with the help of science and technology."



For further information, please contact Deputy Director Han Junhee of the Ministry of Science and ICT (E-mail address : jneehan@korea.kr).