International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South2026 · Date · History · Messages · Quotes
A/RES/78/259
About International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South
International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is observed on 16 September. The United Nations General Assembly established it through resolution A/RES/78/259, adopted on 9 January 2024.
The observance focuses on strengthening science, technology and innovation capacity in developing countries and on making access to knowledge, research cooperation and technology more inclusive.
Why International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South matters
Science and technology can support development, but benefits depend on institutions, skills, infrastructure, financing, open and responsible cooperation, and the ability of countries to adapt technology to local priorities.
The day is therefore a useful point for examining capability gaps and practical cooperation rather than assuming that new technology by itself produces equitable development.
History of International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South
At the G77 and China Summit on Science, Technology and Innovation in Havana on 15–16 September 2023, leaders agreed to designate 16 September as the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South.
Cuba then tabled draft resolution A/78/L.34 on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. On 9 January 2024, the General Assembly adopted A/RES/78/259 and formally proclaimed 16 September as the annual international day.
The inaugural observance took place on 16 September 2024. United Nations sources later described the 2024 edition as the first commemoration.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
Group of 77 and China; Cuba tabled A/78/L.34 on the Group’s behalf
The UN observance page traces the initiative to the G77 and China Havana summit, and the Digital Library identifies Cuba as tabling A/78/L.34 on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
United Nations General Assembly
UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/259
First documented observance
UN OHRLLS described 16 September 2024 as the inaugural International Day, and later UN DESA remarks refer to the first commemoration.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
4 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South
Profile a research or technology project led by a developing-country institution and focus on local capability, governance and long-term maintenance rather than novelty alone.
Compare barriers to research participation such as infrastructure, financing, data access, connectivity, language or skills and identify which can be addressed through cooperation.
Run a technology-assessment exercise that weighs expected benefits, costs, risks, local suitability and who has decision-making power.
Highlight South-South research or innovation partnerships with clear evidence of the participating institutions and outcomes.
International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South Facts
The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is observed every year on 16 September.
The General Assembly established the day through resolution A/RES/78/259 on 9 January 2024.
The initiative grew from the September 2023 G77 and China science, technology and innovation summit in Havana.
The first observance took place on 16 September 2024.
The establishing resolution does not designate one continuing central facilitator.
International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South Messages
On International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South, may awareness lead to informed discussion, practical action and respect for the communities at the heart of the observance.
May International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South encourage thoughtful participation, shared responsibility and action that continues after the observance ends.
Wishing everyone observing International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South a day of reflection, constructive dialogue and purposeful follow-through.
International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South Quotes
“Together, we can ensure that science, technology and innovation truly serve the Global South, advancing the 2030 Agenda.”
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
United Nations Digital Library — A/78/L.34 (opens in a new tab)
United Nations Digital Library — A/RES/78/259 (opens in a new tab)
UN DESA — first commemoration remarks (opens in a new tab)
United Nations OHRLLS — inaugural International Day, 16 September 2024 (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — List of International Days and Weeks (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — Observances: who chooses them and how (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South?
16 September The documented recurrence rule is: 16 September.
Does International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: United Nations / international observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South?
The reviewed sources identify United Nations General Assembly as the proclaiming or establishing body. The proposer or originator is recorded separately as Group of 77 and China; Cuba tabled A/78/L.34 on the Group’s behalf.
Is International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: United Nations / international observance. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-05.
When was the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South created?
The UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/78/259 on 9 January 2024.
Where did the initiative originate?
G77 and China leaders agreed at their September 2023 science, technology and innovation summit in Havana to designate 16 September, and Cuba later tabled the General Assembly draft on behalf of the Group.
When was the first observance?
United Nations sources identify 16 September 2024 as the inaugural observance.
Other observances on September 16
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