G-STIC side event @ UN STI Forum 2026
G-STIC side event @ UN STI Forum 2026
From innovation to implementation – Strengthening STI systems for SDG impact in times of uncertainty
The challenge is no longer finding solutions - it is getting them deployed.
Across the SDGs, a strong pipeline of technologies exists, yet large-scale implementation continues to lag. Misaligned policies, limited financing, and increasing geopolitical complexity are holding back progress.
This G-STIC side event focuses on how to close that gap.
Why this matters
The real bottleneck lies in deployment, not innovation.
International STI cooperation is under pressure but remains essential.
Current systems struggle to translate solutions into impact at scale.
What to expect
Building on the 2025 discussion, the focus shifts towards practical next steps:
How can policy, finance and cooperation better support deployment?
What needs to change for STI systems to function in uncertain contexts?
Which priorities should shape the next phase of STI governance?
The session will generate clear, policy-relevant input for the STI Forum, including on international cooperation, governance of emerging technologies such as AI, and strengthening science-policy interfaces.
Why G-STIC
With its 3.0 strategy, G-STIC brings together key actors to move beyond dialogue and accelerate the implementation of integrated STI solutions for the SDGs.
Stay informed and see how this translates into concrete action and impact.
Programme
Opening remarks (15')
Dr. Dietrich Van der Weken, General Manager G-STIC, VITO, Belgium
H.E. Mr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations, Co-Chair of the 2026 STI Forum (TBC)
H.E. Mr. Bart De Wolf, Ambassador & Deputy Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations
Opening statements (40')
Prof. Carlos Henrique Brito Cruz, Senior Vice-President, Research Networks, Elsevier, Co-chair of the 10-Member-Group, Brazil
Prof. Motoko Kotani, Executive Director of Science, RIKEN, Co-chair of the 10-Member-Group, Japan
Mr. Satya Tripathi, Secretary-General, Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet
Professor Yuandong Gu, Vice President, Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) /National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE), China
Key questions:
What are the most critical barriers preventing innovative solutions from being deployed at scale today?
What key lessons have emerged from recent discussions on international STI cooperation in times of uncertainty, and what do they imply for action?
How can international STI collaboration more effectively scale solutions from local pilots to global implementation?
How can platforms such as G-STIC contribute as neutral, science-based enablers to enhance coherence across stakeholders, inform decision-making, and accelerate the large-scale deployment of sustainable solutions?
What changes are needed in financing and investment frameworks to unlock large-scale deployment of sustainable innovations?
How should STI systems evolve – particularly in terms of governance and cooperation – to operate effectively in times of uncertainty?
What should be the top global priority for STI systems between now and 2030?
If you could recommend one priority action to global decision-makers on STI for the SDGs, what would it be?
Q&A & interactive discussion (20')
Closing remarks and next steps (15')
Professor Yuandong Gu, Vice President, Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) /National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE), China
Ms. Flore De Pauw, Policy Advisor, Delegation of Flanders to the USA, Belgium
Dr. Dietrich Van der Weken, General Manager G-STIC, VITO