Declaration of Mar del Plata

 

45.  "We commit to support the improvement of the quality of the teaching of science and we will strive to incorporate science, technology, engineering, and innovation as principal factors in national strategies and plans for social and economic development, for the fundamental purpose of reducing poverty and generating decent work. In this vein, we support the Declaration and Plan of Action adopted at the Ministerial Meeting of Science and Technology held in Lima.

 

46.  We recognize that scientific and technological research, and scientific development and progress play a fundamental role in the integral development of our societies, by building knowledge-based economies and contributing to economic growth and increased productivity. In this regard, we reiterate our support for the institutions established earlier in the Summits Process, such as the Inter-American Committee on Science and Technology, to create a scientific culture in the Hemisphere. We will continue to support public and private research associations and promote their interaction.

 

47.  We will continue to increase investment in science and technology, with the participation of the private sector and the support of multilateral institutions.  We will also intensify our efforts to encourage our universities and higher institutions of science and technology to increase their linkages and deepen basic and applied research and promote greater incorporation of workers in the agenda of innovation.  We will facilitate the greatest interaction possible between scientific and technological research communities by fostering the establishment and consolidation of advanced research networks and synergies among educational institutions, research centers, the public and private sectors and civil society.

 

48.  We recognize that the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights should contribute to the promotion of technological innovation and to the transfer and dissemination of technology, to the mutual advantage of producers and users of technological knowledge and in a manner conducive to social and economic welfare, and to a balance of rights and obligations.  Therefore, we reiterate our commitment to their protection in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.

 

49.  We will do our utmost to take advantage of the possibilities offered by information and communication technologies to increase efficiency and transparency in the public sector, and to facilitate the participation of citizens in public life, thereby helping to strengthen democratic governance in the region. In that sense, we will continue promoting the adoption in the region of training programs in e-government, by sharing the experience of countries that have made headway in this field.  This will help boost the skills of public sector employees through the use of innovative tools such as on-line training portals for government officials currently implemented in some countries.  These actions will provide training at several levels, thereby helping to improve the skills of civil servants and strengthening education in democratic values and best practices in the region."

 

Plan of Action of Mar del Plata

 

33.  "To favor the research, development, and adoption of renewable and efficient energy sources and the deployment of technology for cleaner and more efficient energy sources, including among them, those that foster the intensive use of labor, which, together with the promotion of sustainable development, and addressing climate change concerns, permit the reduction of poverty.

 

41.  To promote increased funding and investment in science and technology, engineering and innovation.  To request the appropriate multilateral organizations to strengthen technical and financial cooperation activities aimed at pursuing this goal and at the development of national innovation systems

 

56.  To promote, within the framework of the OAS, the exchange of experiences for the implementation of electronic education programs articulating means, resources, and tools aimed at strengthening and enriching the educational processes in schools, including the use of new information and communication technologies."

 

>> + info <<