ISTIC-UNESCO & CSIR collaborate on the first STI Conclave to promote sustainable livelihoods

New Delhi: The first-ever STI Conclave on “Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Livelihoods” by the International Science, Technology, and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is being held from July 29 to 31 in New Delhi.

The event is supported by CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit (CSIR-TKDL Unit) and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT). 

Over three days, the conclave features presentations from renowned experts across India, covering topics such as biodiversity, traditional cultural expressions, integrative health research, and policies related to traditional knowledge (TK) and intellectual property rights (IPR). The event also explores the role of South-South Cooperation in these areas.

The ISTIC-UNESCO team was led by Prof. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, Chairperson of the Governing Council, and Dr. Sharizad Dahlan, Director of the organization. From CSIR, the efforts to organize the Conclave in India were spearheaded by Dr. Viswajanani J Sattigeri, Head of the CSIR-TKDL Unit, and Dr. D. Shailaja, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IICT.

In her remarks, Dr. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research emphasized that the STI Conclave addresses a critical issue, as global concerns about the sustainability of livelihoods are increasing. She noted that the Conclave serves as a platform to educate the younger generation about the importance and value of traditional knowledge and practices inherited from our ancestors. She stressed that modern advancements are rooted in traditional knowledge, and this Conclave effectively highlights the integration of traditional wisdom with modern science and technology.

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director of CSIR-IICT, outlined CSIR’s initiatives related to the validation, innovation, and integration of traditional medicines with modern scientific and technological interventions as effective tools for addressing healthcare needs.

Dr. Benno Boer, UNESCO’s Natural Science Specialist discussed the three key aspects of sustainability—education, science, and culture—and how UNESCO fosters collaboration and cooperation to empower people and protect the planet. He underscored the importance of respecting and living in harmony with nature to achieve sustainable living. Additionally, he highlighted UNESCO’s platforms related to biodiversity and the LINKS programs, which emphasize understanding and utilizing local knowledge systems to conserve nature and support livelihoods.The conclave aims to enhance understanding and capabilities related to the digitization, preservation, and protection of traditional knowledge. It also focuses on intellectual property rights and people’s rights. Participants from countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malaysia, and India are in attendance, sharing information on challenges and best practices for safeguarding traditional knowledge.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, inaugurated the conclave. Prof. Anant Darshan Shankar, Founder and Vice Chancellor of the Trans-Disciplinary University (TDU) in Bengaluru, delivered the plenary talk.