Lesotho Unveils Bold STI Vision at United Nations Forum in New York

Lesotho has positioned itself as a strong voice for science and innovation on the global stage through its participation at a major United Nations forum in New York. The country presented its vision at the 11th Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, held at the United Nations Headquarters from 06 May 2026. The gathering brought together global leaders, policymakers and development partners to review progress on innovation-driven solutions for sustainable development. Lesotho used this platform to highlight its national priorities and development challenges as a least developed and landlocked country. The message focused on how science, technology and innovation can directly support national resilience and inclusive growth.

At the forum, discussions centred on how countries can accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Many participating nations shared updates on their digital transformation efforts and innovation strategies. Lesotho stood out by linking its STI agenda to real development constraints such as limited infrastructure, data gaps and economic vulnerability. The country stressed that innovation is not only about advanced systems but also about practical tools that improve governance and public service delivery. This framing positioned Lesotho as a country seeking to use technology in a targeted and realistic way rather than adopting solutions that do not fit its context.

Delivering the national statement, the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovations, Hon. Nthati Moorosi, delivered a clear message on the importance of science and innovation for national survival and progress. She explained that for countries like Lesotho, science, technology and innovation are not optional but essential for building resilience and inclusion. She also noted that global progress on sustainable development remains uneven, with many countries still struggling to benefit from technological advancement. Her address highlighted the need for fair access to innovation systems and stronger global cooperation. She called for practical solutions that reflect the realities faced by developing and least developed nations.

The Minister outlined several national initiatives that are already shaping Lesotho’s innovation landscape. These include the piloting of digital identity systems aimed at improving access to public services and strengthening governance efficiency. She also highlighted the upgrading of Lesotho’s High-Performance Computing infrastructure supported through the UN-India Development Partnership Fund. In addition, she pointed to STEAM collaborations with UNDP that aim to build skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The Sebabatso innovation platform was also mentioned as a key driver in supporting young Basotho innovators to develop homegrown solutions. On artificial intelligence, she emphasized the need for global governance frameworks that account for developing countries with limited and fragmented data systems.

Lesotho also stressed that meaningful connectivity must go beyond physical infrastructure and internet access. The country defined it as a foundation for research collaboration, open science and inclusive digital public services that reach all citizens. This approach aligns with regional and continental frameworks such as those of the African Union and the Awaza Programme of Action. The Minister explained that universal meaningful connectivity is central to Lesotho’s long-term STI strategy and national development goals. She further called for stronger global partnerships to support capacity building, innovation financing, artificial intelligence governance and technology transfer. The overall message from Lesotho was clear and focused on impact, stressing that innovation must be measured by how effectively it improves the lives of vulnerable populations and supports sustainable national development.