Friends: Here is something of interest to you. Arun [Subbiah Arunachalam] The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UN-CSTD) is organizing four Internet Working Groups to provide input into a panel meeting in October 2003 on "Promoting the application of science and technology to meet the Millennium Development Goals". Government representatives, UN agencies, academics, private sector representatives and any other interested individuals or bodies are invited to contribute recommendations to one or more of the Working Groups from 15 June to 15 August. To join in, send an e-mail to stdev@unctad.org indicating with an X in the brackets [X] which Working Group(s) you wish to join. Approximately a week before your Working Group(s) begin(s), you will receive detailed information about the discussion. The four Groups are: [ ] cstd-newtech--Improving the policy environment for the application of S&T to development by identifying potential risks and benefits of new and emerging technologies; [ ] cstd-research--Strengthening basic and applied research in developing countries and international scientific networking; [ ] cstd-advisory-- Strengthening technology support institutions and science advisory mechanisms; building human capacity; identifying new technologies and applications; and encouraging international collaboration to support research in neglected fields; and [ ] cstd-universal--Promoting universal Internet access at affordable costs and building strategic partnerships in the field of science and technology for development and capacity building for competitiveness. CSTD is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). More info: United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UN-CSTD) http://r0.unctad.org/stdev/index.html U.N. Millennium Development Goals http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/