Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries is a relatively new organization solely dedicated to harnessing science, technology and innovation for sustainable development in the world’s 44 least developed countries.
Based in Gebze, Türkiye, the UN Technology bank works alongside national, regional and global partners to deliver programmes that boost technological capacity and promote growth in local economies. By assessing core national sectors, fostering partnerships and guiding countries in adopting tailored, impactful tech solutions, the UN Technology Bank plays a unique role in reshaping economies and livelihoods where it is most needed.
Least developed countries face unique challenges including structural barriers, low income, limited infrastructure, weak productive capacities and low levels of technological development.
The establishment of the Technology Bank was the first UN Sustainable Development Goal Target (17.8) to be realized. It recognized the critical role that science, technology and innovation play in fostering sustainable development and the urgent need to close the technological gap between the least developed countries and the rest of the world.