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WIPO development programs for LDCs attach high importance to innovation and technological capacity building of LDCs. Heightened attention is given to assist LDCs in their effort to strengthen national innovation institutions. For LDCs the approach is to strengthen capacity and building knowledge for development.
In LDCs invention, innovation and creativity can be used as a tool to combat poverty because of the contribution it can make to economic growth and sustainable development. Building technical and scientific skills capacity contributes towards the application of knowledge and appropriate technology to meet social and economic challenges. The Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA), adopted during the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (UN LDC IV) highlighted the need for greater cooperation at national, regional and international level to afford LDCs with enhanced capacity in science, technology and innovation for the use of productive capacity building, economic growth and development. In IPoA, LDCs development partners, UN system organizations and the LDCs themselves affirmed their resolve to forge partnerships on science and technology for knowledge building in LDCs.
For this, it is important to seize upon the expertise, know-how and resources afforded by innovative collaboration between UN system organizations. The process needs to be inclusive and tailored to the priority needs of LDCs of a region. In the area of innovation and technological capacity building, WIPO collaboration with regional Economic Commissions like the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) can facilitate regional endeavors and framework for cooperation through the participation of LDCs representatives from government, business and industry, university, research and development institutions. Involvement of experts from some developing countries of the region to share their experiences and practices rel |