Participants in the symposium in Hanoi pose for a photo (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – A symposium was opened in Hanoi on January 17 to discuss the intertwining of science and policy towards sustainable development in ASEAN.
The three-day event is organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP), and the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation.
It aims to carry out the content approved at the ASEAN-Japan dialogue on science, technology and innovation in 2019; perform Vietnam’s roles as the ASEAN Chair in 2020 and the coordinator of the ASEAN-Japan dialogue relations in 2018-2020; and help enhance the two sides’ cooperation.
Sessions of the workshop focus on the promotion of Japan’s potential role in enhancing research and training cooperation to mitigate disaster risks in the ASEAN region; the reinforcement of energy security through sustainable technologies; the cooperation in conserving and exploiting biodiversity to bring about benefits to all parties concerned; and the strengthening of the connection between science and policy in science, technology and innovation.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy said in ASEAN, developing science, technology and innovation is defined as one of the top priorities, especially amidst the increasingly extensive integration and the need to sustain economic growth across the region, so as to achieve the development goals set in the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation for 2016-2025, as well as the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In Vietnam, science, technology and innovation are considered a basis and driving force for national development, and they have greatly contributed to the over 30 years of reforms in the country. Vietnam attaches importance to and highly values the cooperation and support from ASEAN members, Japan and other international partners, he noted.
As the chair of the bloc in 2020, it wishes to contribute to a cohesive and responsive ASEAN, helping to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, Duy added.
As part of the symposium, the JASTIP Steering Committee held a meeting to review the platform’s performance between 2015-2019 and discuss the orientations and focuses of its activities in the 2020-2025 period./.
VNA
