Multilateral approach to Latin American integration:
Sustainable development

Interview with Maricela Muñoz, Directive of GESDA strategic partnerships

— How do you see the current state of sustainable development? What priorities do you consider most important in the action of international organizations (IOs) in the field of sustainable development?

— The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are the guiding principle for action, and it is no surprise that we are unfortunately behind in terms of compliance. The current geopolitical context and the development gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic must be the prelude to redoubling efforts to advance the 17 goals.

Personally, I believe that a large part of the actions undertaken by international organizations are marked by the initiatives, commitment and political will of their members  (stakeholders),  which grants a significant degree of participation and responsibility to the States, private companies, scientists and academics, and citizens in general, who make up civil society.

For this reason, the work agenda must be clear, collaborative and anticipatory. That is, current challenges must be addressed, but at the same time looking to the future, ensuring that the diverse opportunities and impacts that scientific and technological development will bring will benefit the greatest number of people and achieve positive transformational change. This is undoubtedly a priority for all organizations.

 

— Any suggestions, criticisms or recommendations for the actions of the IOs?

— I believe that the work of articulating agendas between international organizations and agencies must be strengthened, while respecting, of course, the different competencies. For example, if we talk about closing the digital divide, this challenge touches all areas of human activity and development, namely education, work, health, economy, human rights, environment, etc., and as such requires a joint approach.

Additionally, continuing with the example mentioned above, it is essential to consider the impact of new technologies that will be available in the near future (quantum technology, advanced artificial intelligence, etc.), so as to prevent a widening of the digital and technological gap, which would have strong social and economic consequences for countries and regions that are left behind.

 

—  What is the importance of scientific and technological diplomacy in the current and future context?

— En realidad, la diplomacia y la ciencia han interactuado desde siempre, sin embargo, se ha identificado la necesidad de remozar este vínculo para que los “practitioners” de ambas comunidades, de hoy y de mañana, estén mejor equipados para navegar ambos mundos y trabajar juntos. ¿Por qué? Porque la velocidad, complejidad y convergencia de los avances científicos y tecnológicos demandan un multilingüismo y la creación de puentes que se desarrollan a través de la diplomacia científica. De suerte que las decisiones de política pública y gobernanza mundial puedan estar basadas en ciencia, y en un entendimiento amplio de las implicaciones de esos avances en la humanidad.

 

— ¿Cómo puede GESDA contribuir a impulsar la ciencia abierta y el enfoque anticipatorio en el multilateralismo?

— Con el apoyo de cientos de renombrados científicos alrededor del mundo, GESDA desarrolla el Science Breakthrough RADAR (www.radar.gesda.global) , que provee información sobre los avances científicos y tecnológicos que se esperan para los próximos 5, 10 y 25 años. Es decir, podemos tener una mirada anticipatoria al desarrollo exponencial de la inteligencia artificial avanzada y la tecnología cuántica, neurotecnología, aumentación humana (human augmentation), bio-ingeniería y regeneración, y muchos otros. El RADAR tiene como objetivo ser una herramienta multilateral para la toma de decisiones sobre política y gobernanza mundial. Es esencial aclarar que el RADAR no ofrece recomendaciones de ningún tipo, sino que presenta la información de lo que se está desarrollando en los laboratorios, para que pueda ser un instrumento de anticipación y acción.

Además, con el derecho a la ciencia incluido en el artículo 27 de la Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos, es nuestro interés que todas las personas puedan beneficiarse de las oportunidades que la ciencia y la tecnología presentan. GESDA, en colaboración con diplomáticos, científicos y académicos, industria y ciudadanos, desarrolla prototipos de soluciones para acelerar el impacto positivo de los scientific breakthroughs y alcanzar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible.

 

— ¿Cómo se percibe el papel de Latinoamérica en términos de innovación científica y tecnológica y que retos o limitaciones enfrenta?

In Latin America, there are important advances in technological development, with applications to combat climate change, agro-industry solutions and renewable energy alternatives. For example, new materials have been developed for clean technologies such as solar panels, batteries, etc. However, progress in other fields is slower, and efforts are a little more fragmented. I am not an expert in the matter, but as a Latin American, I believe that there is a large investment gap in education, scientific research and technological innovation. In terms of education, I have the impression that many of the programs from primary to university lack new content, as well as policies that accompany and stimulate continuous learning and are also aligned with the labor demand of the 21st century, which is marked by the rapid advance of disruptive technologies.

However, I believe that it is not too late to adjust the rudder and look strategically towards the future, making the changes and transformations necessary to achieve inclusive, sustainable development based on science and innovation. The coordination, exchange and visibility of Latin American professional nodes with international clusters must also be improved, in order to accelerate the bi-directional transfer, implementation and anticipation of technological solutions and scientific advances of the 21st century.

 

—What  would you suggest to discuss on the panels of the VII Podium?

In my opinion, it would be very interesting and timely to address the issue of emerging technologies, their anticipation for improved decision-making, and their impact on human security, international relations and global governance.

 

— Thank you Mrs. Muñoz!