Commonwealth science discovery project to be launched
13 October 1999
The Commonwealth Secretariat will launch CommQuest, a project to encourage the establishment of science discovery centres throughout the Commonwealth, at Marlborough House today. Members of the diplomatic community, the business community and those promoting the public understanding of science will attend.The important role of science and technology in sustainable development has been underlined by successive meetings of Commonwealth Heads of Government. To facilitate this, the Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with Techniquest and the Commonwealth Business Council, started CommQuest as part of the Commonwealth Knowledge Network programme to find solutions to development problems through sharing of knowledge and resources. CommQuest addresses two highly significant problems: the lack of interest in science and technology, so often found amongst the general population, and the corresponding world's shortage of scientists and technicians.
The first of what will be a network of similar science discovery centres in the Commonwealth will be rolled out in South Africa at an exhibition during the Heads of Government meeting in Durban in November. The exhibition will tour South Africa between November 1999 and April 2000.
The Commonwealth Secretariat carries out its work in science and technology (S&T) through its Science and Technology Division (STD). The STD is also the Secretariat of the 35-member Commonwealth Science Council (CSC) launched in May 1975 by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, to promote S&T co-operation between Commonwealth countries.
Note to Editors:
At their meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in March 1999 the Executive Committee of the CSC formed the Commonwealth Knowledge Network (CKN). The CKN aims to use modern information and communication technologies for Commonwealth countries to exchange know-how more effectively and to pool expertise to facilitate solving problems. CommQuest is the CKN solution to the decline in interest in and uptake of S&T subjects in schools and universities. This decline has already affected the use of S&T to solve development problems.
Techniquest
Techniquest is an educational charity committed to the promotion of science, engineering and technology. Its Science Discovery Centre, first opened in Cardiff in 1986, occupies award-winning purpose-built premises which provide an interactive centre designed to facilitate a better understanding of the role of science and technology in the world, and to make science and engineering more accessible to members of the public of all ages.
Commonwealth Business Council
The Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) was established by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in October 1997 to promote international trade and investment. The CBC's close relationship with Commonwealth governments and institutions enables it to present policy recommendations sourced from the private sector to governments and agencies; actively promote private-public dialogue; and create networking opportunities for Commonwealth companies. The CBC is a membership-based organisation with corporate members directing and funding its work. Over 120 companies from 21 countries are currently members of the Council.
Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division,
Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678
99/58 13 October, 1999
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