CTA launches regional S&T meetings in 2004

CTA is working to strengthen the information and communications management capacities of agricultural and rural development organizations, and to develop the policy and institutional capacities in ACP countries. In pursuit of these goals, CTA is committed to enhancing the science and technology (S&T) policy dialogue in ACP countries, in order to strengthen the policy-making processes at national and regional levels. The objectives of the workshops are: To update knowledge on related national, regional and international science, technology and innovation (ST&I) initiatives and discuss and share experiences in formulating strategies for improving national, regional and international competitiveness and for achieving development goals. To develop strategies and plans to improve dialogue on ST&I policy within the ACP, and between the ACP and other regions, emphasizing the need for urgency and focusing on incorporating ST&I strategies in national and regional policy processes, and their implementation for sustainable economic development. To consider regional S&T policy initiatives and CTA´s programmes on ST&I, and to share the ideas and experiences of ACP scientists, policy makers and other stakeholders and their international counterparts for improving the effectiveness of these programmes. The first regional meeting was held in collaboration with the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST) in Roseau, Dominica, on 27-29 April 2004. At that meeting, the Caribbean representatives agreed to update the 2000 draft regional S&T policy document and submit the revised version to the meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in June/July 2004. The Pacific regional S&T meeting is scheduled to take place in Nadi, Fiji, from 20 June to 1 July 2004, and will be held in collaboration with the Institute for Research, Extension and Training in Agriculture (IRETA) in Samoa and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in Papua New Guinea. The African regional S&T meeting, to be co-hosted by the African Technology olicy Studies Network (ATPS Network) and the New Partnership for Africa´s Development (NEPAD), will take place in September 2004. For further information, please contact frnacis@cta.int - Judith A. Francis at CTA, Wageningen, the NetherlandsEnhancing the Science & Technology Policy Dialogue: Innovation for Developmen