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 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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Call for Applications | The Call for Proposals for Parallel Sessions at the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2027 is Now Open

ISTIC under the auspices of UNESCO encourage our partners, alumni, researchers, policymakers, educators, youth organizations and institutions across the Global South and beyond to submit proposals that showcase innovative approaches,[…]

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KUALA LUMPUR: ISTIC Honorary Chairman Dato’ Ir. (Dr) Lee Yee Cheong Highlights Global Cooperation at UTAR ASEAN Public Lecture Series.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), in collaboration with the ASEAN Research Centre for a Community of Shared Future (ACSF), hosted the ASEAN Public Lecture Series on 22 July 2026 (Wednesday) at[…]

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Social Media

📢5 More Days to Go! Fellow local and international teacher applicants will soon come together from 26 to 28 August 2026 at Sri Bestari International School, Kuala Lumpur for the Global South Key Teachers’ AI Literacy Training Programme 2026.

#aiineducation #educationforall

Today, we honour the courage and compassion of humanitarian workers around the world. Because progress is not only about how far we can go. It is about who we bring with us.

🌐Learn more about ISTIC: https://istic-unesco.org

#worldhumanitarianday #actforhumanity #istic

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3 days ago

International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (ISTIC)
5 More Days to Go!Fellow local and international teacher applicants will soon come together from 26 to 28 August 2026 at Sri Bestari International School, Kuala Lumpur for the Global South Key Teachers’ AI Literacy Training Programme 2026.#AIinEducation #EducationForAll ... See MoreSee Less
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At the heart of every crisis are people. People who are displaced from their homes. Communities rebuilding after disaster. Families waiting for help and humanitarian workers who continue to show up, often in the most difficult circumstances, to protect lives and restore hope.Science, technology and innovation can help us respond to these challenges. They can strengthen early warning systems, improve access to essential services, support recovery, and help communities become more resilient. But progress only matters when it reaches people and makes a real difference in their lives.At ISTIC, we believe that knowledge should serve humanity. Through international cooperation and South-South collaboration, we remain committed to making science, technology and innovation more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of communities across the Global South.Today, we honour the courage and compassion of humanitarian workers around the world. Because progress is not only about how far we can go. It is about who we bring with us.::🌐Learn more about ISTIC: istic-unesco.org#WorldHumanitarianDay #ActForHumanity #ISTIC #ScienceForHumanity #sciencetechnologyinnovation #SouthSouthCooperation ... See MoreSee Less
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