Science Policy: Science, technology, and innovation (STI) have the power to transform societies by providing solutions on how to eradicate poverty, improve social and economic conditions, increase resilience to natural hazards, and preserve natural resources for future generations.

UNESCO, the main UN agency working within the field of STI policy, has over 50 years of experience accompanying countries to strengthen their STI systems, and advocating the importance of placing STI at the heart of national strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa document (STISA 2024) clearly defines the pillars of the scientific development on the continent as requiring the upgrading of science laboratories and the establishment of world-class STI infrastructure.

The STI policy programme has gained importance in the context of implementation of Agenda 2030, the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the contribution to the SDGs in which STI play a vital role.

Basic and Engineering Sciences: UNESCO Nairobi is collaborating with partners in developing capacities of institutions and individuals in Basic and Engineering Sciences. The capacity and competence building activities are critical to ensure an adequate supply of engineers and scientists to work on global challenges.

ANSTI: UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi hosts the African Network of Scientific and Institutional Institutions (ANSTI) promoting the integration of science, technology and innovation (STI) into the broader framework of national development policies.