2030 Agenda Asia- Pacific Regional Consultation UN Conference - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Strengthening LDC’s Academies in Support of the 2030 Agenda Asia- Pacific Regional Consultation UN Conference Centre Bangkok, Thailand 3-4 February, 2020

The Role of Academies and Professional organizations in Advancing STI Agenda in the Region: Challenges and Opportunities Saroj K Ghimire Advocate, Supreme Court of Nepal Asst. Prof of Law, Tribhuvan University Treasurer, Supreme Court Bar Association

STI and Nepal • Science, technology and innovation is in developing stage in Nepal. • Through out the country application of science and technology is being increased. • From Industries to agriculture and from organization to individual, technology has become integral part. • 5 years development plan (1980-1985) was the first periodical plan to link science and technology for economic development of Nepal. • The recent Development Plan has set the aim of developing and promoting the Sector of science and technology and linking it with social, economic, physical and environmental development. • The National Development Plan has pointed out the necessities of development of infrastructure for increasing scientific research, innovation and technological advancement for the overall development of the country.

Constitution of Nepal 2015 and Innovation • Constitution has assured science and technology along with the information technology to be the integral parts of the policies of the state. • Constitution in its policies of the state has expressed its commitment to encourage for the investment in technology for infrastructure development. • Constitution further states that it shall frame policies for promoting investment in scientific studies and research, and inventions in science and technology, and for their progress and development, while protecting scientific, technological and intellectual minds and special talents. • Recognizes the importance of science, technology and innovation in all forms of development sectors including information, development works, , transportation, for securing environment friendly activities, national productivity, and for Scientific research, science and technology and human resource development

At the Ministerial level • The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), is the apex government body tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the development of science and technology in the country. • MoEST has been formulating plans and policies concerning science and technology and implementing them across the country through its various institutions. • The Department of Information technology (DoIT), under Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT), is the policymaker for the IT sector.

Research Institutions of the GON • National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) • NAST h as been working as an autonomous body to promote science and technology, preservation and further modernization of indigenous technologies and promotion of research & science and technology. • Other various research institutions includes: Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST), Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research (CEAPR),Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). • National Innovation Center: A ims to retain, nurture and promote Nepal’s top human resources and leverage their considerable intellect, creativity, and talent in fostering the country’s social and economic growth. • Various private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been working since long in the sector of science and technology. • Policies have been framed dedicated to STI including Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, 2019 and Information Technology Policy, 2010.

STI as major initiatives of Universities • Teaching of modern science was introduced for the first time when intermediate science education was introduced 1919 AD • Number of public universities established across the country have adopted science education since then.

• University curriculum from the basic level to the university level is dedicated to the teaching and learning of scientific research technology and innovation how these developments, in turn, affect Nepali society, politics, and culture. • Universities have incorporated much courses and emphasized on research activities along with supporting students for research on STI. • At TU, Central Departments of Science, Engineering , Research, Forestry, statistics, medicine, mines and geology, plant resource, hydrology and wildlife etc have prioritized STI development in their courses by means of dissertation works and research activities.

STI and Legal Education • Constitutional recognition, policy support and legislative protection for STI • First time Constitution recognized the product of STI as property in the form of IP • Legal education has introduced science and technology as integral part of development and emphasized the importance of STI in most of the disciplines of legal study including, justice, privacy, environment, investment, industrial law, IP law, transportation law, criminal justice and many more. • Now schools, colleges and universities have become incubators of exploration and invention.

STI and Bar Association • Bar Association in Nepal are the major civil society standing for rule rule of law, democracy, human rights and judiciary. • Bar Association via its Committee engages itself for the advocacy of STI development. • Bar Association intervenes on the laws that are inconsistent with the constitution and also incase government fails to implement constitutional provisions.

University and the Bar Association • University and Bar Association works in close proximity • Bar Association provides its expert lawyers to share their ideas at the University and University graduates works as interns at the Bar Association • Major part of training activities are also focused on investment and technology law.

STI and Academicians • Professor collaborate to share their ideas and resources online: • Assisting students to develop valuable research skills: • Providing students access to importance and expansive materials - e-books, online learning resources and applications. • Publication and contribution towards research articles.

UNIVERSITY AND SDG • Universities are crucial to SDG • it is essential that the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals rests on knowledge, new research, innovation and citizens who are empowered by critical thinking. • Universities contribute to the goals through research and education in a wide array of disciplines that can potentially contribute to a better future. • The Sustainable Development Goals clearly need strong societal actors, like universities, to ensure their success.

Reality • SDG is not known to many professors. • Despite various national policies on science and technology and rapid expansion in the number of private colleges and universities in Nepal, science and technology education still lacks definitive plans and programs. • The curriculum in Nepal’s universities is not market or industry - orientated. • Poor collaboration between universities, research institutions and private sector. • Distribution of scarce resources to too many areas, instead of focusing on specific and important.

Challenges • Science and technology has not been the first choice of students in Nepal due to limited employment opportunities and resources. • Universities in Nepal has not change their academic programs in science and technology to meet the market demand, local interest, and ensure employment opportunities for the graduates.

Affirmative development • Improvement of education system from the root level. • Information Technology sector is growing more rapidly than any other sector in Nepal. • Increase in the investments from private and public sectors with effective utilization. • Develop entrepreneurial mindset. • Number of innovative young minds seeking for a platform has been growing day by day. • Culture of innovation entrepreneurship is growing.

Opportunities and Way forward • Universities can liaise among the actors of STI for collaboration of ideas and innovation • Exchanging national and regional experiences by such meetings and consultation to meet the goal of SDG • Closely working for legal reforms and protection based on the research made by universities and legislative support by Bar Association • Educating University professors, lawyers and other actors by organizing workshops, seminars, conferences meetings and consultation on regular basis for STI and SDG • Developing training material for TOT and for researchers and scholars. • Supporting and sharing ideas between the countries of participants and among participants.

THANK YOU and WELCOME YOU at this…. Human Rights and Technology Saroj K Ghimire Conference In-charge, LAWASIA I Kathmandu

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