International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean Celebrates the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South
The International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC), a UNESCO institute dedicated to advancing higher education in the region, is marking a significant new occasion this September. On September 16, 2025, IESALC will host an online event commemorating the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South, a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly in January 2024 (Resolution A/RES/78/259) to recognize science, technology, and innovation (STI) as essential drivers of sustainable development.
Recognizing South-South Cooperation and Innovation
This newly established international day underscores the critical role that South-South cooperation plays in fostering fairer, greener, and more inclusive futures through collaborative STI efforts. The 2025 virtual event, convened by UNESCO IESALC, will focus on the contributions of the South-South University Cooperation Network (SUCN) Centers. These centers are pivotal in promoting community and industry engagement by leveraging innovation hubs located across Africa, the Arab States, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The initiative aims to highlight how higher education institutions and youth-led initiatives are developing locally grounded and regionally scaled solutions through vibrant innovation ecosystems. The event seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders, including educational institutions, youth, civil society organizations, NGOs, and the private sector.
Goals of the Commemoration
The online gathering, scheduled for 15:00 CET (9:00 am Eastern US / 6:00 am Pacific US / 10:00 am São Paulo / 14:00 UK) on Zoom, aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Raise awareness worldwide about the International Day’s importance in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Showcase sustainability innovations emerging from SUCN Centers across participating regions.
- Promote leadership roles for youth and students in driving STI-based solutions for community and industry challenges.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange among Global South countries to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Build momentum and foster collaboration within the South-South University Cooperation Network.
By doing so, the event intends to inspire collective action, amplify successful innovations, and embed science, technology, and innovation at the core of sustainable development strategies tailored for the Global South.
Participation and Registration
The event welcomes participation from all interested parties engaged in science and education for sustainable development. Attendance is free and open to institutions, researchers, students, policymakers, and sector partners aiming to contribute to South-South cooperation endeavors.
Interested individuals and organizations can register via the official UNESCO Zoom platform at:
https://unesco-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/UgqPY6oRRaqIWRjzL23Hlg#/registration
About UNESCO IESALC
Since its inception over 25 years ago, UNESCO’s International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean has been committed to improving the quality, equity, and relevance of higher education in the region. By fostering innovation and capacity building, IESALC supports the development of knowledge as a transformative driver of social progress and sustainable development.
For more information about the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South and related initiatives, visit the UNESCO IESALC website.
This article is part of ongoing coverage to promote awareness of international efforts to harness science and innovation as key tools for achieving equitable and sustainable development worldwide.
