KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Commonwealth and UN Technology Bank have formed a new partnership to support least developed countries (LDCs) through technology transfer, capacity building and knowledge sharing.

The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today committing to collaborate to build science, technology and innovation capacity for least developed countries in the Commonwealth.

According to the Commonweath Secretariat, the strengthened cooperation will focus specifically on promoting structural transformation of LDC economies in an effort to help eradicate poverty, fostering long-term sustainable development.

It said the partnership will include joint research to assess the needs of least developed countries in the areas of science, technology and innovation. Capacity will be built through training in innovation and technology policies, digital transformation and regulatory and intellectual property rights issues, the body noted.

UN Technology Bank’s Managing Director, Joshua Setipa said, “I am delighted to formally strengthen the UN Technology Bank’s institutional relationship with The Commonwealth Secretariat, especially at such a crucial time for the least developed countries, 14 of which are members of the Commonwealth.

“Partnerships such as this are critical to support meaningful transformation in LDC’s, achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and improve access to science technology and innovation. Together we stand a far greater chance of success.”

The secretariat said the new collaboration will also help to facilitate technology transfer and innovation within LDCs with The Commonwealth as a new partner of the UN Technology Bank’s Technology Access Partnership.

“As practical expressions of multilateralism with global reach, both the UN and Commonwealth have long been at the forefront of inclusive cooperation. Through the organs and initiatives which facilitate and encourage cooperation individually and collectively among our respective member countries, we continue to mobilise broad and inclusive progress – particularly for LDCs,” Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland said.

Following the signing of the MoU, she said, “Through this MoU the UN Technology Bank and Commonwealth Secretariat enter into a close working relationship which opens up immense potential for fruitful cooperation to promote structural transformation of LDC economies.

“Our joint focus, particularly as we support our LDC members to build back better from the consequences of the pandemic and towards achieving the SDGs, will be on transfer of innovative technologies and to build capacity through exchange of knowledge.”