The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), serves as the United Nations’ primary focal point for science, technology and innovation (STI) for sustainable development. Its mandate includes examining how STI—including information and communications technologies (ICTs)—acts as a key driver for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The CSTD provides a global forum for strategic planning, the exchange of best practices, and forward-looking analysis of critical STI trends across economic, environmental and societal sectors. It also highlights the implications of emerging and disruptive technologies for development.

Since 1993, the commission’s secretariat has been hosted by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), supporting its mission to foster inclusive and innovation-driven development.

During its 29th session, the commission will focus on the priority theme: Science, Technology and Innovation in the Age of AI. Discussions will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping development pathways, governance, and global cooperation.

The CSTD will also review progress on the implementation and follow-up of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) outcomes at regional and international levels, including reflections from its 20-year review. Additionally, the commission will hear presentations on technical cooperation activities in STI and receive a progress report from the multi-stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance at All Levels, addressing key issues relevant to development.