I - Declaration  of  Principles

Knowledge,  Sustainable  Development  and  Hemispheric
Cooperation  in  the  Americas

1.         We,  the Ministers responsible for science and technology representing  the nations that participated in  the Summit of the Americas,  meeting  in  Cartagena de Indias,  Colombia on  28 and 29 March 1996, have  reached a consensus concerning the set of principles  expressed in this Declaration.

2.         The Summit of the Americas,  held in Miami in December, 1994, was an event of singular importance to  the economic, social and political future of our Hemisphere.  The outcome of  the Summit; that is, the Partnership for Development and Prosperity: Democracy, Free Trade and Sustainable Development in the Americas,   is the hemispheric agenda that  places us on the route of the XXI Century.  It  seeks to correlate recent global economic, social, political and technological changes -- and the new prospects and opportunities they provide -- with the tremendous challenges facing countries in terms of improving the quality of life, particularly with respect to  social equity,  prosperity,  and sustainable development.

3.         During the last two decades, the world economic order  has been characterized by an unprecedented trend toward globalization resulting from intensive technological developments,  the growth of trade and international capital flows, and people’s increased mobility.   This globalization process has helped countries to learn from one another through shared experiences, cultural values and expectations.  This growing interdependence is supported by  ongoing regional integration and underscores the need to promote a hemispheric agenda.

Science,  Technology  and  Sustainable  Development

4.         The inclusion of science and technology on the hemispheric agenda forged by  leaders at the Summit of the Americas reflects the strategic role of science and technology in economic and social development and in environmental protection.

5.         A key objective of scientific and technological development in the countries of the Hemisphere is to gradually and systematically increase their ability to generate knowledge,  as well as to develop the ability to transform this knowledge into new or better products,  processes and services that will facilitate the region’s sustainable economic and social development.  We are aware that a country’s  scientific and technological capabilities  extend beyond the scientific and technological community to include the generalized wisdom and skills  found  throughout society.

6.           Therefore, the formulation and implementation of national policies on the development of science and technology is of the utmost importance.  Such policies should address  education and ongoing  human-resource training, the development of a greater research capacity in areas of national and regional interest,  a build-up in innovation systems to  promote technical change, and the application of knowledge to achieve sustainable and equitable development nationwide.

7.         We affirm that scientific and technological development must be based on ethical principles that promote human dignity,  the welfare of peoples and peace among nations.  Likewise,  we note the importance of cultural diversity, which reflects the diversity of the populations in our region,  including indigenous peoples.

8.         We acknowledge that development of scientific and technological capacity in the Hemisphere is an objective demanding a substantial investment from every country.  All sectors of society must participate to the extent of their respective abilities.  Education, training and the development of human resources play a key role in scientific and technological investments and,  thus,  are a responsibility of society as a whole.  This is  a responsibility in which governments should participate.  We also know that, although it is possible to obtain results in the short term,  the most significant benefits and the economic and social returns on investment in science and technology will appear largely in the medium and long term.

9.         We will promote, to the extent possible and  in each of our countries,  any  necessary adjustments to encourage the emergence of innovation systems  within the context of open markets and efforts towards regional integration.  We recognize that effective implementation of these policies depends largely on the various actors involved; namely, the private sector,  scientific and technological communities,  and governmental and non-governmental organizations. Their  participation will be encouraged.

Strengthening Hemispheric Cooperation

10.       We clearly  recognize the importance of hemispheric cooperation to the development of science and technology in the region and as a key factor that complements the capacity and efforts of the countries of the Hemisphere.  Collaborative efforts to train researchers and to establish transnational research networks are particularly significant, as are other forms of cooperation that require mutual support and a sharing of facilities, experiences, and knowledge.

11.           Valuable experience has been acquired in the Hemisphere through cooperation on science and technology at both regional and sub-regional levels, utilizing a variety of cooperative mechanisms and arrangements.  Through these cooperative programs, the first research networks have been initiated, the establishment of centers of excellence has been promoted in certain scientific fields,  and joint research efforts have been carried out in areas of common interest.  We commit ourselves to learning from past and present collaborative experiences,  in order to implement cooperation mechanisms that respond to the challenges and opportunities offered by  the new environment.

12.       The cost of research and development underscores the need for cooperative mechanisms to complement national research capacity and efforts.  Considering the increasingly difficult task of confronting the global impediments to sustainable development, cooperation has ceased to be just a possibility and has become a necessity.  Accelerated advancements in  information technology can facilitate expanded cooperation and should be integrated into the new approaches and practices for joint scientific and technological efforts.

13.       In light of these trends, we admit it is necessary, in many cases, to modify the conventional patterns that have characterized hemispheric cooperation and funding strategies in science and technology.  We endorse cooperation based on mutual advantage,  with each country benefiting from its participation,  and on cost-sharing among participating countries and institutions.

14.       We are aware of the heterogeneity characterizing the current development of scientific and technological capacity  in the countries of the Hemisphere.  For this reason, and to use resources as effectively as possible, differential policies and strategies to  develop and build this capacity must be examined, in order to facilitate the participation of every country and to perceive clearly the characteristics and requirements of smaller and relatively lesser developed nations.

15.       We believe one of the main requirements for increasing the effectiveness of hemispheric programs in science and technology is to monitor and evaluate new and existing programs adequately, so as to ensure they comply with  specific program objectives and  help to address the broad goals, as defined.  To that end,  we encourage cooperating entities to establish, as part of their collaborative programs, specific criteria for periodic program reviews.  The direct participation of scientific and technological communities is essential for this purpose.

Looking  Towards  the  Future

16.       We request the OAS and IDB to strengthen their efforts in the area of science and technology,  in response to the Miami Summit Declaration and Plan of Action.  We believe  these institutions should play a substantial role in supporting programs for hemispheric cooperation in science and technology and in encouraging a channeling of resources towards the Hemisphere, in support of this declaration.  Moreover, in acknowledging the globalization of science and technology and the need for improved coordination, we encourage the OAS,  IDB and the countries participating in  the Summit of Americas to coordinate  this Plan of Action, whenever appropriate, with activities implemented as part of action plans endorsed through other multilateral mechanisms and organizations, such as the OECD,  APEC and the World Bank.

17.       This Plan of Action identifies a series of proposals to be implemented through existing or new cooperation programs designed to enhance  socioeconomic development of the Hemisphere, based on complementary national capacity and infrastructure. It also proposes funding and coordinating strategies to facilitate greater scientific and technological  cooperation in the Hemisphere.

18.       We recommend  the Science and Technology Action Plan be implemented as soon as possible and in a manner complementary to the other initiatives endorsed by the Heads of State and  Government at the Summit of the Americas. We recommend the actions outlined in this Plan with respect to Guaranteeing Sustainable Development and Conserving the Environment for Future Generations  be considered when drafting  the agenda of  the Bolivia Summit on Sustainable Development.

19.           We affirm the commitments to science and technology  made at the Summit of the Americas, and pledge  our will and dedication in an individual and collective effort to give  renewed impulse to hemispheric cooperation in science and technology. For this purpose, we endorse and commend to our respective governments for adoption the following Plan of Action, which includes specific action to implement  and  apply the  principles agreed upon.