U.N. Technology Meeting Lacked Clear Direction

Abstract

Participants in the September 1979 United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) were disappointed in the results, which they had counted on to help diminish some of the gap between the industrialized and the developing worlds. The conference developed a plan of action in broad terms of developing an intergovernmental committee to oversee R and D projects and calling for equal opportunities for men and women in science careers. Little room for agreement was found on some of the controversial legal and political issues, however. Pressures to develop a new economic order were countered as impractical by the industrialized countries. Positive signs are noted in the participants' willingness to minimize nationalism and the large contingent of scientists present. US delegates, although they were excluded from some of the decision making, are hopeful that Congress will approve funds for the international committee and that the mechanism for technology transfer can be improved.