In the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia plays significant role in UNESCO through UNESCO Category 2 Centres and various Subsidiary Organs of UNESCO.
INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION CENTRE FOR SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION (ISTIC)
The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC), based in Kuala Lumpur, is an international platfrom which was the result of the Second South Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China which was held in Doha, Qatar, in June 2005 . Its overall aim is to facilitate the integration of a development approach in the formulation of national science and technology and innovation policies in developing countries. Besides this advisory role in policy implementation, it also promotes the exchange of experience and 77 best practices for capacity building through its network of centres of excellence. These centres support student exchange programs, researchers, scientists and technologies in developing countries.
HUMID TROPICS CENTRE KUALA LUMPUR (HTCKL)
The Regional Humid Tropics Hydrology and Water Resources Centre for South-East Asia and the Pacific (HTCKL), was established based on the theme “Humid Tropics Hydrology and Water Management” which was formulated under UNESCO’s Fifth Phase of the International Hydrological Programme, also known as IHP V. Spanning over five years from 1996 to 2001, IHP V set out to strengthen the bond between scentific research, application and education. HTCKL operates under the Department of Irrigation and Drainage of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Malaysia. Through this regional centre, new technologies can be shared for the common goal of sustainable water development.
“You are part of the water family in UNESCO. Water is the common denominator of all challenges- in health, in farming, in energy, in urbanisation. It can be the common solution also. But this requires commitment, and this is what I see here today.”
Irina Bokova’s visit to the Humid Tropics Centre Kuala Kumpur, 21st May 2015.