An International Platform for
South-South STI Cooperation

International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation
under the auspices of UNESCO

ISTIC in Brief

The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (ISTIC) is a UNESCO Category 2 Centre established in 2008 through an agreement between the Government of Malaysia and UNESCO.

Based in Kuala Lumpur and funded by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), ISTIC serves as a strategic international platform for advancing South-South Cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI).For over 15 years, ISTIC has supported UNESCO’s STI agenda and development priorities across the Global South by acting as a connector, catalyst and advocate.

                             

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Our Priority Agenda (2022-2027)

STI POLICY, ADVOCACY AND DIPLOMACY

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EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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OPEN SCIENCE

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ARTIFICIAL AND DIGITAL INNOVATION

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RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM

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CLIMATE CHANGE

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Ongoing Strategic Programmes

KISTEP-ISTIC S&T Innovation Training Programme

The KISTEP-ISTIC S&T Innovation Training Programme for High-Level Policy Makers is an annual initiative that serves as a major platform for strengthening STI policy capacities among senior officials from developing countries.

Joint Capacity Strengthening Programme for Africa Region (North, South, East, West)

The Joint Capacity Strengthening Programme for Africa Region aims to strengthen research capacity in the Global South, where limited access to funding and complex grant processes often hinder scientific contribution and innovation.

Big Data and Artificial Intelligence

The Big Data and AI Programme  support policymakers, researchers, educators, and technical professionals from developing countries. The initiative focuses on practical skills development, knowledge exchange, policy awareness, and the responsible and ethical use of AI and data technologies.

AI Education

ISTIC’s AI Education programme focuses on upper primary and lower secondary students while empowering teachers to develop learners’ computational thinking, understanding of algorithms, and ethical awareness. It uses age-appropriate modules, hands-on activities, and targeted teacher training aligned with Malaysia’s educational and economic priorities.

International Conference on Women in SE2TI

The Interntational Conference on Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation (STE2I) is an initiative aimed at advancing gender equality. It focuses on strengthening women’s participation, leadership, and representation in education, research, and innovation ecosystems.

Emerging Initiatives

AFRASIA : South-South Collaborative Research and Innovation Programme

AFRASIA is a South–South cooperation framework connecting Asia and Africa. Founded by South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Tanzania, the initiative focuses on fostering collaborative research in  areas including water security, one health, and renewable energy.

GSRUA : Global South Research University Alliance

The Global South Research Universities Alliance (GSRUA) is an initiative connecting research universities across Asia, Latin America, and Africa to foster South-South collaboration, knowledge co-creation, and sustainable development.

GE4SEA : Greening Education for Southeast Asia

The Greening Education for South-East Asia (GE4SEA) Programme is a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening climate change education in primary and secondary schools across Southeast Asia. 

Key Achievements

People empowEred

countries  involved 

STI programmes delivered

Mous signed

publications produced

UN SDGs implemented

Latest News

CALL FOR BOOK CHAPTERS | Artificial Intelligence for Climate Learning and Sustainable Development

The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC), in collaboration with Universitas Negeri Malang, invites researchers, educators, practitioners and policymakers to contribute[…]

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INDONESIA: 6th Annual Meeting of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Policy Asia-Pacific Network (STEPAN) 2026

ISTIC participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Policy Asia-Pacific Network (STEPAN), held from 30 August to 1 September 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The[…]

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Call for Applications | 3rd EARW – Strengthening Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development

Applications are now open for the 3rd East Africa Regional Capacity Building Training Workshop on Strengthening Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development, a five-day programme designed to strengthen the capacity of[…]

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Social Media

ISTIC participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Policy Asia-Pacific Network (STEPAN), held from 30 August to 1 September 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

#ISTIC #STEPAN #SouthSouthCooperation #ScienceTechnologyInnovation

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The Global South Key Teachers’ AI Literacy Training Programme 2026 has successfully concluded after three days of learning, collaboration, and meaningful exchange at Sri Bestari Private School, Kuala Lumpur.

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From Dialogue to Collective ActionISTIC participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Policy Asia-Pacific Network (STEPAN), held from 30 August to 1 September 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia.The meeting brought together policymakers and STI institutions from across the region to exchange perspectives on emerging priorities, including AI governance, responsible AI, STI foresight and sustainable development.For ISTIC, engagement with STEPAN is closely aligned with our mandate to strengthen South-South cooperation in science, technology and innovation. Networks such as STEPAN provide valuable platforms to connect institutions, share knowledge and capabilities, and turn common priorities into collaborative action.At a time when rapid technological change is reshaping economies and societies, stronger collaboration across the Global South is increasingly important. Progress requires not only technological advancement, but also sound policies, capable institutions and trusted partnerships that ensure science, technology and innovation contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.ISTIC’s engagement with STEPAN reflects our wider commitment to connecting institutions, strengthening STI capacities and creating pathways from policy dialogue to practical cooperation across the Global South.Because ultimately, the value of a network lies not only in the conversations it creates, but in what its members can do together.#ISTIC #STEPAN #SouthSouthCooperation #ScienceTechnologyInnovation #SciencePolicy #GlobalSouth ... See MoreSee Less
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6 days ago

International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (ISTIC)
he Global South Key Teachers’ AI Literacy Training Programme 2026 has successfully concluded after three days of learning, collaboration, and meaningful exchange at Sri Bestari Private School, Kuala Lumpur. A big thank you to all our partners, facilitators, and participating teachers for their active engagement and enthusiasm throughout the programme. By strengthening AI literacy among teachers, ISTIC continues to support the development of future-ready education systems and empower educators to harness technology as a tool for inclusive and sustainable development across the Global South. ... See MoreSee Less
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