Question

How is the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Answer 1

The United Nations sustainable development goals seek to end poverty and hunger globally; combat inequality within and among countries; build peaceful, just and inclusive societies; protect human rights; promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources.

Countries committed to the goals aim to create conditions for sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and decent work for all, considering different levels of national development and capacities.

The goals are integrated and indivisible, and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental. There are 17 goals planned for completion by 2030 , and 169 targets that demonstrate the scale and ambition of the new universal agenda.

TIA aims to contribute to the realisation of many of these goals by stimulating industry and the broader economy through the directed funding of innovation and commercialisation. This will entail a focus on accelerating the translation of indigenous knowledge outputs into products and services that contribute to redressing socioeconomic vulnerabilities in marginalised communities in South Africa while ensuring increased inclusivity to encourage the participation of women, youth and people with disabilities. Focus will also be placed on the conservation of the country's natural resources.