St. Kitts and Nevis Seeks Applied Science Collaboration at UNESCO Conference

The UNESCO Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy Conference, held in Paris in March 2025, provided a platform for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to advocate for stronger partnerships with science and technology-endowed nations. Representing St. Kitts and Nevis, Ambassador David P. Doyle highlighted the unique challenges faced by SIDS in accessing scientific advancements and securing necessary investments. He emphasized the vulnerability of these nations to external shocks, their limited economies of scale, geographical remoteness, and environmental risks, all of which hinder their ability to secure financing and participate in cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs. The conference, attended by ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from international organizations, underscored the role of science diplomacy in fostering collaboration and addressing shared global challenges.

Ambassador Doyle stressed the disproportionate impact of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic on SIDS, further exacerbating their economic and social vulnerabilities. He pointed to the low levels of investment in research and development, limited access to financing, underdeveloped scientific infrastructure, and scarce resources for science education as major impediments to progress. He argued that science diplomacy, by promoting dialogue, trust-building, and international cooperation, could facilitate the sharing of technical and scientific information and best practices, ultimately benefiting SIDS. The call for increased collaboration resonated with other participants, reinforcing the conference’s aim to leverage science diplomacy for sustainable development, human rights advancement, and peacebuilding.

Representing Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Ambassador Doyle urged UNESCO and technologically advanced member states to assist SIDS in identifying and addressing critical scientific gaps. He acknowledged the limitations faced by small islands in terms of resources and scientific expertise, advocating for targeted support and knowledge transfer. Dr. Hanley emphasized the importance of North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation in sharing best practices, transferring technologies and scientific innovations, and leveraging expertise and resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate development and address the specific vulnerabilities of SIDS more effectively.

Ambassador Doyle further emphasized the potential of SIDS to contribute to scientific innovation, particularly through leveraging indigenous knowledge. He cited examples such as community-based environmental monitoring in Vanuatu and the development of climate-resilient crops in St. Kitts and Nevis’ Man and the Biosphere reserve. He called on international partners to capitalize on these local strengths by supporting the development of necessary ecosystems and institutional capacity. This would enable SIDS to effectively utilize science, technology, innovation, and digitalization for economic growth and sustainable development, moving beyond simply adapting external solutions to fostering homegrown advancements.

A key aspect of the St. Kitts and Nevis intervention was the call for enhanced South-South cooperation, facilitated by UNESCO, to support resilient energy transitions. This includes investments in renewable energy infrastructure, scientific technology, and training, aiming to achieve the ambitious renewable energy goals of SIDS. The proposal highlighted the potential of cost-effective ICT tools, such as AI, to assist SIDS in developing national roadmaps for digitalization and STI. This would enable them to build capacity in utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, including renewable energy technologies, marine technologies for the ocean-based economy, and other technologies crucial for sustainable development.

The participation of St. Kitts and Nevis in the conference reflects the nation’s commitment to leveraging science diplomacy for its development agenda. As Secretary-General Nerys Dockery of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO emphasized, the government believes that scientific discoveries, through mutually beneficial partnerships and diplomatic engagement, can be shared and adapted to local contexts, driving innovation and economic growth. This proactive approach highlights the potential of SIDS to not only benefit from global scientific advancements but also contribute to them through their unique experiences and indigenous knowledge. The conference served as a critical platform for amplifying the voices of SIDS and advocating for collaborative solutions to their specific challenges.