First STI Conclave on “Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Livelihoods”

The International Science, Technology, and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) under the auspices of UNESCO, together with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) constituents, Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit (CSIR-TKDL Unit), New Delhi, and CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, India, is organizing a STI Conclave on “Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Livelihoods” from July 29-31, 2024, at New Delhi, India.

Key Points:

1. Inauguration: The Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR inaugurated the first STI Conclave.

1. The Guests of Honour were the Director of CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, and a UNESCO Natural Science Specialist in New Delhi.
2. The Plenary Talk was delivered by the Founder and Vice Chancellor of the Trans-Disciplinary University (TDU), Bengaluru.

2. Speakers and Topics: The three-day Conclave features internationally acclaimed speakers from India on varied subjects such as biodiversity, traditional cultural expressions, integrative health and research, national and international policies on Traditional Knowledge (TK), Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and associated matters, besides South-South Cooperation.
3. Significance: Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of CSIR remarked that the STI Conclave targets a topic which is the need of the hour, considering that sustainability of lives is a matter of growing concern worldwide.

1. The Conclave provides a platform to bring awareness among the next-gen youth about the importance and value of the knowledge and practices inherited from our ancestors.
2. Stating that modernity is always connected to the fundamentals of our traditional knowledge, the Conclave rightly spreads the importance of bringing together traditions and modern Science & Technology (S&T).

4. CSIR Activities: The Director of CSIR-IICT highlighted the CSIR activities related to validation, innovation, and integration of traditional medicines and modern S&T interventions as effective tools to address healthcare for all.
5. UNESCO Perspective: A UNESCO Natural Science Specialist elaborated on the three important aspects of sustainability through education, science, and culture, and how UNESCO brings together collaboration and cooperation to empower people and the planet.

1. The Specialist stated it was important to respect and live in harmony with nature for achieving sustainable living.
2. The Specialist also spoke about UNESCO’s platforms related to biodiversity spheres and the LINKS programs, that reiterate the need to explore and understand the meaning of local knowledge systems to conserve and preserve nature and thereby livelihoods.

6. Conclave Aims:

1. The Conclave envisages promoting understanding and enhancing academic and professional capabilities under the theme of “Strengthening Competencies in Digitization, Preservation, and Protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) – Intellectual Property (IP) and People’s Rights,” among the participants.
2. The aim is to provide a platform for the exchange of information on challenges related to TK in their countries and learn the best practices being adopted by India and others in safeguarding TK.
3. The participants are from Indonesia, Philippines, Nepal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malaysia, and India.
4. The Conclave aims to emphasize the importance of engaging in collaborative learning models and expand the partnership and networks through engagement and cooperation for addressing the development challenges of the region, specifically through sustainable living through local knowledge systems.