Science and Technology Committee approves action to set up global information network.

Science and Technology Committee approves action to set up global information network

The Intergovernmental Committee on Science and Technology for Development has called for a wide range of activities by Governments and the United Nations system to develop a global information network and enhance international co-operation in the field of scientific and technological information.

The Committee's action--taken by consensus at its seventh session (28 May-7 June, New York)--grew out of its recognition of the importance of making scientific and technological information easily available to developing countries. It was the first time since the Intergovernmental Committee's establishment in 1979 that it has focused on a substantive theme.

The Committee agreed that setting up and strengthening national information systems should be the main thrust of efforts to develop a global network, and that the activities of the developing countries towards that end should be encouraged on a priority basis by seeking international assistance "through all possible means". The United Nations system and other national and international organizations active in the field of scientific and technological information were invited to provide support to the developing countries in setting up or strengthening their information networks.

The Committee decided to study the feasibility of extending to all sciences and technologies the existing International Referral System for Sources of Environmental Information (INFOTERRA) of the United Nations Environment Programme, which assists Governments and decisionmakers in obtaining environmental information. In that context, the Secretary-General was requested to ask Governments what contributions they would be willing to make towards the network in terms of access to national science and technology information systems, manpower training facilities, technical assistance and other kinds of support.

In addition, the Secretary-General was asked to consult Governments on their needs and priorities in terms of areas and types of information on information sources they would require from a global network, as well as their most urgent needs for technical assistance and personnel training in connection with creating or strengthening their national information systems. The developing countries were invited to formulate projects to provide them with basic primary information sources, such as journals and magazines, as an essential part...