The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation in Lesotho has called for stronger international partnerships to support developing countries in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) governance, technology transfer, innovation financing, and data infrastructure.
Minister Nthati Moorosi made the remarks during the 11th Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
This follows the ministry echoing similar sentiments at the eighth African STI Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, late last month.
A key intervention focused on the integration of digital public infrastructure (DPI) and AI as enablers of development within critical sectors.
In particular, she highlighted implementing these technologies in the water and sanitation sector to accelerate progress towards sustainable development.
This approach seeks to improve water resource management, enhance service delivery, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate change, directly contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Six (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Moorosi stated that science, technology, and innovation are important tools to help the Mountain Kingdom fight poverty, unemployment, climate challenges, and rural isolation.
With regards to partnerships, the minister held a bilateral meeting with the UN tech envoy, under-secretary general USG Amandeep Singh Gill. The talks centred on DPI open-source technology, digital public goods, and data centre investment.
“Science and technology must improve the lives of vulnerable people,” stated Moorosi. She further reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to working with the global community to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
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