1     In my capacity as Chairman of the Group of 77, I would like to share with you some views on the Programme of Work of the Consortium on Science, Technology and Innovation for the South (COSTIS). At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Government of Italy as well as to the Trieste System, particularly the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), for hosting this important meeting.

2     As you may recall, the Group of 77 Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology held on 3 September 2006 in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, established the Consortium on Science, Technology and Innovation for the South (COSTIS). The Consortium was launched following the decision of the Third World Network of Scientific Organizations (TWNSO), Trieste, Italy, to transform itself into the Consortium on Science, Technology and Innovation for the South. The Ministerial Meeting in Rio de Janeiro also stressed the need for the establishment of a Joint Task Force in order to ensure the effective operationalization of the Consortium.

3     On the occasion of the 30th Ministerial Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the Group of 77 in New York on 22 September 2006, the Ministers welcomed the holding of the Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and its decision to launch COSTIS. They also commended the decision of TWNSO and expressed their appreciation for the Trieste System’s valuable support.

4     By creating the Joint Task Force, the Ministers have underscored the importance of the interim phase of COSTIS and the need to strengthen its foundation. The Task Force has an important role in developing the strategies of work of the Consortium. At this stage, the Task Force should focus on the mobilization of necessary support and undertake activities related to its future programmes. It is very important to ensure the required resources for the operationalization of the Consortium.

5     We are confident that the activities of COSTIS will contribute to knowledge-sharing, investment in research and development including research and development strategies. COSTIS will develop and promote knowledge and technology for the scientists of the developing countries through the exchange of expertise and researchers as well as the strengthening of links among South-South networks of centers of excellence including the establishment of a network of universities of the South.

6     I wish to seize this opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the pivotal role the Trieste System has played in this endeavour. Institutions, such as the Trieste System, have demonstrated through their work that the only viable and proven way to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is through the efficient application of science and technology. We commend the significant role the Trieste System, especially TWAS, has played in the establishment of COSTIS. We are confident that COSTIS will build up on the experience that TWNSO has accumulated over the years in developing its own scientific programmes. 

7     In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the importance of the supportive role of the United Nations system, particularly UNESCO and the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation, in promoting the activities of the Consortium. Their valuable support and expertise are much more needed at this crucial stage of the operationalization of the Consortium. I wish to reiterate the commitment of the Group of 77 to bring its full support and contribution in this process.

8     I wish all success to your deliberations.

I thank you.