SEO-Friendly News Article:
Title: South-South Cooperation Essential for Bridging Technology Gap, Sri Lankan President Emphasizes Digitalization and Collaboration
The Global South is facing numerous challenges including limited access to expensive technology, inadequate digital infrastructure, and financing restrictions. To address these issues, Sri Lankan President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has called for South-South cooperation and emphasized the need for digitalization and collaboration. His remarks were made during the opening day of a summit in Havana, Cuba, focused on the role of science, technology, and innovation in development.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted the historical impact of European colonization on Asia and Africa, which has resulted in a technology gap that hampers development in these regions. He stressed the urgency of leveraging digitalization and implementing new technologies, as well as preparing human resources in various technological fields.
During his speech, President Wickremesinghe urged the G77+China, a group of developing countries, to establish effective cooperation mechanisms to overcome challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, food and energy crises, and the global debt crisis. He called for collective platforms targeting digitalization, health, medicines, and artificial intelligence to be included in the action agenda.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of funding technology development and encouraging collaboration between governments and the private sector. He believes that strengthening South-South cooperation can play a vital role in training human resources, exchanging best practices, and promoting policies that harness the transformative potential of science, technology, and innovation.
In conclusion, President Wickremesinghe reiterated Sri Lanka’s support for the new Havana Declaration, aiming to amplify the collective voice of the G77+China in international fora. It is crucial to bridge the technology gap and foster digitalization to ensure inclusive and sustainable development in the Global South.
References:
– [Link 1: Adaderana – First Day Reports on Development Challenges](insert link here)
– [Link 2: Adaderana – Wickremesinghe’s Speech at Havana Summit](insert link here)
