Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation Hem Vanndy has affirmed Cambodia’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

His commitment was made while addressing the OECD Ministerial Conference held in Paris, France, from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Held at the OECD Conference Centre in Paris, the OECD Science and Technology Policy Ministerial brought together global leaders to address shared challenges and transformative actions in STI.

In his intervention at the conference, Minister Vanndy emphasised Cambodia’s dedication to regional integration, particularly through organisations like ASEAN, to drive economic growth and enhance trade relations.

“We actively seek Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in high value-added sectors by improving our structural reform, business environment and infrastructure,” he said.

Central to Cambodia’s STI strategy is the STI Roadmap 2030, prioritising governance, education, research, collaboration, and ecosystem development.

Vanndy reiterated the importance of human capital development and technology integration in enterprises, particularly within the private sector, to enhance productivity and diversify the economy.

In addition, Cambodia advocates for inclusivity, equity, and sustainability in STI advancement, which aligns with the objectives of the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP) Ministerial Meeting 2024.

Vanndy stressed the need for cross-governmental and cross-sectoral collaboration to drive sustainability transitions and ensure societal benefits from technological advancements.

He called for collaborative efforts to shape a roadmap for STI, leveraging collective strengths for a more sustainable future.

The OECD’s priorities, outlined during the conference, focus on addressing shared challenges and seizing new opportunities in STI.

These include developing agile governance policies, promoting a resilient bioeconomy, cultivating a skilled workforce, investing in research infrastructures, and incorporating societal trust into STI initiatives.

Policymakers at the conference aim to foster innovation while prioritising ethical considerations and societal benefits.

In the current era marked by swift technological progress and complex global issues, fostering international collaboration in STI is essential.

Cambodia’s commitment to a proactive stance in this collaborative pursuit aligns with the broader international community’s efforts to leverage the transformative potential of science, technology, and innovation for societal prosperity.

The Organisation de Coopération et de Dévelopement Économiques (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), or OECD, is an intergovernmental organisation comprising 38 member countries.

Established in 1961, its mission is to promote economic progress and international trade.

This week, events hosted by France’s Ministry of Higher Education and Research brought together ministers and high-level representatives from OECD member countries, as well as invited non-members and international organisations, at the OECD Headquarters in Paris.

The meeting served as a crucial opportunity to endorse a forward-looking science, technology, and innovation policy agenda centered on sustainability transitions.

Discussions also delved into the importance of incorporating shared values into the governance of science and emerging technologies, reaffirming the imperative of international cooperation in tackling global challenges.

In her welcome message, Sylvie Retailleau, Chair of the OECD’s 2024 Science and Technology Policy Ministerial Meeting, emphasised the goal of fostering a coordinated and action-oriented agenda in the realms of science, technology, and innovation.

She highlighted that the discussions would build upon the preparatory work conducted by the OECD, focusing on pivotal issues to refine policies and guide collective efforts where they are most needed.

Retailleau, who also serves as the French Minister of Higher Education and Research, underscored that during this Ministerial Meeting, the primary focus is on formulating an action-oriented Declaration.

She urged key stakeholders to embrace an ambitious research and innovation policy to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.

“We also aim to elevate the role of science, technology, and innovation in other policy areas and to lay down a roadmap for future endeavours and priorities of the OECD’s Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy,” she added.

• Tags: MISTI, OECD, STI