Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary for S&T Services Fortunato T. dela Peña was elected as Chair for the 15th Session of the prestigious UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD) during its 14th Session in Geneva on May 27.
The election of Usec. dela Peña serves as international recognition of the country's initiatives in promoting science and technology, as well as the use of information and communications technology for development.
UNCSTD, a UN agency tasked to promote science and technology for development, is mandated by the Economic and Social Council to oversee the system-wide follow-up, review and assessment of progress in the implementation of outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
UNCSTD addresses issues pertaining to the problem of digital divide and internet governance, and helps promote technologies that address global challenges.
The Permanent Mission provided full support to ensure Undersecretary Dela Peña's election.
