The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced the creation of the Expert Working Group on Science and Technology for International Development to better leverage science, technology and innovation for international development.
The Expert Working Group will examine the development activities of Canada that have benefited, or could benefit, from access to resources and strong expertise in science and technology(S&T), either in Canada or elsewhere in the world.
After considering the many aspects of the role of S&T in foreign assistance, the mandate of the Expert Working Group will be to provide expert advice on specific programmatic, organizational, and personnel reforms that would make Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada a world leader in the effective use of S&T in international development.
The Expert Working Group will comprise a small group of eminent individuals appointed by the Minister of International Development with strong expertise in the field of S&T and diverse knowledge in public policy, business and development.
Canada recognizes that integrating science, technology and innovation in international development has the potential to eliminate poverty, boost economic growth and maximize the management of existing resources to improve the lives and livelihoods of people in developing countries.
