Sorena Sattari, the vice president for science and technology affairs, made a speech on the 23^rd meeting of ministers of science and technology of UNCSTD member countries. This high-ranking meeting was held as the meeting of “exploitation of science, technology and innovation to accelerate the advancement of sustainable development goals of fighting COVID-19”.

According to the information center of national elites foundation, During the meeting that was held in the form of a video conference, Sattari appreciated the efforts of the global society of physicians, nurses and medical staff and their families, expressing: these individuals have paid a huge cost by risking their lives, health and happiness to eliminate this disease.

He continued: overcoming COVID-19 as an international crisis is not possible without resorting to the joint efforts of all countries and international organizations with a multilateral approach, cooperation and solidarity.

Pointing out that science and technology is a solution to deal with such crises, Sattari mentioned: since the outbreak of the disease, the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken various measures to prevent, diagnose and treat it. Of course, we have already shared our experiences with the UNCSTD Secretariat on combating COVID-19 with the role of science and technology in the management and treatment of coronary heart disease.

Sattari also expressed: there are similarly valuable experiences with the role of science, technology and innovation in times of crisis.

The Vice president for science and technology affairs suggested to UNCSTD that they gather all the success stories in a codified format so that our experts can discuss these experiences in future meetings.

A Global Reaction Is Required

The president of the national elites foundation also stated: the virus not only threatens the lives and well-being of people around the world, but also increases poverty, hunger and inequality among countries. To counter this crisis, a global response and multilateral action is needed, and certainly science, technology and innovation are key pillars in this regard.

Mentioning that similar to the experiences of others, our experiences are indicative of a proper external space to deal with the pandemic, Sattari affirmed: its implementation is a very important factor, and developed countries are expected to fulfill their obligations to provide funding, technology transfer, and capacity building without politicizing this process.

Iran is dealing with economic terrorism

Sattari mentioned that all countries have the right to access the requirements required to prevent further transmission of COVID-19. In this regard, he added: nevertheless, one-sided actions against some countries contaminated with COVID-19 have caused serious barriers to the realization of this fundamental right.

While the whole world, including Iran, is still struggling with the worst epidemic in modern times, and many countries around the world are seeking solidarity to limit the spread of the disease, Iran is fighting economic terrorism and the health imposed by the United States.

According to Sattari, these actions have had severe consequences.

The vice president for science and technology affairs talked about Iran’s efforts and other countries affected by sanctions to save the lives of people, adding: however, there is a serious need to ensure that in future crises, global solidarity and friendship dominate the behavior of all countries and the entire international community instead of unilateral coercive measures. Therefore, we ask UNCSTD, with the support of other relevant UN agencies, to study the negative effects of compulsory measures on the use of science, technology and innovation in resolving crises, as well as achieving the goals of sustainable national development.

Sattari ensured Iran’s preparation to closely cooperate with other countries at regional and international levels with the help of global management to end the disease.

According to the report, in addition to the ministers of science and technology of the UNCSTD member states, the summit was attended by experts, scholars, politicians in the field of science and technology, and related governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The science and technology commission for the development of the united nations, or UNCSTD, is the most important part of the un economic and social council, which is itself one of the six pillars of the organization.