Alain Labrique: Science, Technology, and Innovation – Catalysts for Equitable Development
Alain Labrique, Director of Department of Digital Health and Innovation at World Health Organization, posted on LinkedIn:
“Science, Technology, and Innovation: Catalysts for Equitable Development.
This week’s 28th session of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) in Geneva was a powerful reminder: the choices we make today in digital governance and innovation will shape the futures of billions.
The Department of Digital Health at WHO champions the deep connections between health equity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive innovation. This year’s CSTD themes—economic diversification in a digital world and technology foresight for sustainable development—are central to the work we do. Thanks to Derrick Muneene and Pascoal Bento for representing World Health Organization in this important forum.
The session emphasized the urgent need for:
- Digital public infrastructure that enables services for all.
- Foresight and technology assessment capacity in every country.
- Open innovation ecosystems that don’t just serve a few.
- AI governance that is anticipatory, not reactive.
The WSIS+20 review revealed both progress and persistent divides. While access and innovation have expanded, too many countries—especially LDCs—still struggle to leverage digital tools for inclusive growth.
For the global health community, this is not a tech issue—it’s a justice issue. Health systems increasingly depend on AI, connectivity, and data platforms.
That means we must partner across sectors to:
- Strengthen digital public infrastructure for health.
- Ensure rights-based data governance.
- Build national foresight and innovation capacity.
These insights build on powerful reports launched at CSTD28:
- Technology and Innovation Report 2025: Inclusive AI for Development.
- Diversifying Economies in a World of Accelerated Digitalization.
- Technology Foresight and Assessment for Sustainable Development.
- WSIS+20 Review Report.
The future of equitable development depends on responsible innovation, intentional collaboration, and shared digital governance. Let’s get to work.”
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