Science and technology must be engaged as tools to accomplish sustainable human development. Education in science and technology is crucial to realizing sustainable human development. Information and communication technology must be available to support education and development. Women must have access to the education and technologies essential for development. Within a favorable international climate, the development of its people is how a country's development ultimately is achieved and sustained.
Education is a key aspect of human development, including education in science and technology.
Such education, I believe, responds to the visions for development and sustainability of our earth and for the people who inhabit it. I want to emphasize the importance of knowledge, and especially of science and technology and emphasize what it can mean to those most in need. Beginning in 1993 I had an opportunity to serve with a group exploring the gender dimensions of science and technology for sustainable human development. This work was done by eight commissioners and eight advisors under the umbrella of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development. The Gender Working Group took on as its assignment to contribute to the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing by articulating the links between gender, science, technology and development.