UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT
Chair: Rifat Tarafder
Committee Type: General Assembly
Established in 1992 by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) emerged from the landmark Earth Summit, which explored the role of technology in achieving sustainable development. Originally conceived to address the widening gap between industrialized and developing nations in harnessing scientific progress, the CSTD analyzes how innovation can drive equitable growth, reduce poverty, and tackle global challenges. Through its work, the commission aims to harness the potential of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy in promoting development.
The CSTD advises UN agencies and member states on policies to integrate science, technology, and innovation into national development strategies. It monitors global trends, evaluates progress on initiatives like the World Summit on the Information Society, and fosters multi-stakeholder dialogues among governments, academia, and the private sector. By facilitating open dialogue, it helps countries navigate the ethical, economic, and social implications of technological advancements. Central to its mandate is bridging the digital divide and ensuring underserved communities access groundbreaking technologies.
Topic 1
Measures to Combat Cyber Crime
Cybercrime has emerged as a critical threat to global security, economies, and individual rights, with attacks ranging from viruses targeting electricity grids and water supplies to identity theft and international spy networks. As the world becomes more dependent on digital systems, vulnerabilities in these systems become even more valuable to malicious actors: the World Bank estimates cybercrime costs could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. The international community faces challenges such as harmonizing international legal frameworks, balancing privacy rights with surveillance needs, and addressing jurisdictional gaps. Some essential questions include: How can nations strengthen cooperation to dismantle dark web networks? Should AI-driven policing tools be regulated to prevent misuse? How can developing nations, often disproportionately targeted, build technical and legal capacity? Given the increasing weaponization of cyber tactics in geopolitical conflicts, international norms on cyber warfare and state-sponsored attacks must also be a priority. Delegates must craft strategies that foster public-private partnerships, uphold human rights, and ensure equitable access to cybersecurity resources, all while navigating geopolitical tensions over digital sovereignty.
Topic 2
Digital Innovation in Education
The digital revolution holds transformative potential for education, bridging gaps in access to quality learning resources and fostering global cooperation. Students now have access to tools like AI-driven personalized learning, virtual classrooms, and open-access global knowledge platforms like Khan Academy and edX. However, stark inequalities persist: over 2.2 billion people lack internet access, limiting opportunities for underserved communities. Delegates will explore how to scale innovations like AI education platforms and UNESCO’s Open Educational Resources while addressing ethical concerns, such as data privacy risks and algorithmic bias in AI grading systems. How can governments partner with technological firms to bridge infrastructure gaps? Should digital literacy be standardized in curricula to prepare students for a tech-centric future? What safeguards ensure technology complements, rather than replaces, human educators? Delegates will balance rapid innovation with inclusivity, ensuring digital tools advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education) without leaving vulnerable populations behind. Creativity and collaboration will be key to reimagining education in the 21st century.