Inter-sessional Panel of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), 2025–2026

The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) will hold its 2025–2026 inter-sessional panel on Monday, 17 November 2025, in Room XVI at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The meeting will bring together government representatives, international organisations, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the priority theme on Science, Technology and Innovation in the age of AI.

The morning session will address the theme ‘Science, Technology and Innovation in the age of AI.‘ It will include an introductory briefing from UNCTAD and a keynote presentation by Prof. Ritu Agarwal of Johns Hopkins University. Perspectives on STI and AI will be provided by discussants from the International Labour Organization, Beijing Normal University, and ETH Zurich, followed by an open Q&A.

A reception hosted by Okayama University of Japan will take place during the lunch break, alongside a UNCTAD side event focused on the role of STI parks in national innovation systems, entrepreneurship, and cluster development.

The afternoon session will turn to progress in implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), particularly in the context of the forthcoming 20-year review of WSIS at the UN General Assembly. Delegations and stakeholders will engage in a discussion with the WSIS+20 co-facilitator. Updates will also be provided on the Secretary-General’s Implementation Map for the Global Digital Compact, as well as ongoing work on data governance within the CSTD.

The panel will conclude with closing remarks from the Interim Chair.