PHL official elected UN science body chairman

A Philippine official was elected chairman of the United Nations' Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD), the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Fortunato dela Peña now chairs the 15th Session of the prestigious UNCSTD at its 14th Session in Geneva. "Undersecretary Dela Peña's election serves as international recognition of the country's role and efforts in promoting science and technology and the use of information and communications technology for development," the DFA said in a news release. The UNCSTD is the agency tasked in promoting science and technology for development. It was mandated by the Economic and Social Council to oversee the system-wide follow-up, including the review and assessment of progress made in implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). "Among others, the UNCSTD deals with issues pertaining to the problem of digital divide and internet governance. It also helps promote technologies that address global challenges," the DFA said. It added the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN provided full support to ensure Dela Peña's election. — LBG, GMA News