Kathmandu: President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Lok Bahadur Thapa, delivered opening remarks at a briefing for Member States and stakeholders ahead of the May 2026 STI Forum.
During the briefing, Thapa emphasized that science, technology, and innovation are crucial for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid interconnected global crises.
He noted that this year’s forum carries special importance as it is the first since the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and the Second World Summit for Social Development. The outcomes of the forum are expected to support the Pact for the Future and inform discussions at the July High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
Thapa also highlighted the “Call for Innovations,” which received more than 900 submissions from around the world, and encouraged Member States to help scale solutions developed by a growing community of young innovators.
