UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development

WIth the advent of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, concerns have increasingly risen regarding the use and regulation of high-risk technologies along with the need for standards regarding the development of emerging technologies. Namely, these ever-connected networks and ever-specific techniques promise to greatly boost state capacities to capture criminals and produce agriculture and medicines. Yet, at the same time, they could easily blur the line between public and private, infringing upon various rights, and cause harm to natural ecosystems.

Therefore, the UNCSTD will focus on navigating this novel territory in a thorough manner, evaluating current challenges and priorities in addition to anticipating future applications and shaping key frameworks.

An example of a topic may be digital surveillance and privacy violations, as according to the UN, states and private actors alike have been using counter-terrorism and security rhetoric to justify alarming deployments of surveillance technologies (e.g., drones, biometrics, spyware) at the cost of human rights to expression, peaceful assembly, and movement. Thus, this committee would aim to evaluate the national benefits and disadvantages of mass surveillance and spyware, discuss the extent to which governments and organizations should interfere with private life, and consider the implementation of policy safeguards and bans for the use of hacking tools and autonomous weapons.

Another topic of interest may include biotechnologies, which have the potential to make significant contributions in the areas of healthcare, agriculture and water provision, climate adaptation, and manufacturing. Indeed, biotechnology allows for poverty reduction, food security, and industrial development through pest- and drought- resilient crops, decreased water waste and sustainable aquaculture practices, as well as more climate-friendly energy sources and rapid clinical trials. Hence, this committee might discuss the formulation of international standards for the safe and sustainable management and development of biotechnology; consider any priorities for funding biotechnology in urgent sectors; and plan out logistical mechanisms for enabling the application of key agricultural, health, and water-related biotechnology in developing countries.