Commission on the Science and Technology for Development

Topic Summary

In April of 1992, the United Nations established the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) to advise the General Assembly and ECOSOC on the role of science, technology, and innovation in global progress. At Harvard Model United Nations 2026, this committee explores the theme: Addressing the international responsibility to protect safety, security, and ethical standards from potential threats posed by advancements in medical research while continuing to support biotechnological innovation and its role in global health and sustainable development. The CSTD’s focus on biotechnology and medical ethics challenges delegates to balance rapid innovation with global safety. This topic invites delegates to debate the creation of international safeguards that encourage scientific progress while preventing misuse. Delegates should consider issues such as regulatory consistency, equitable access to medical technologies, and the establishment of ethical oversight mechanisms.

As breakthroughs in biotechnology, from CRISPR gene editing to artificial intelligence in medicine, accelerate, the world faces growing concerns over privacy, consent, and the potential misuse of human enhancement technologies. These developments raise ethical dilemmas about how far innovation should go and who bears responsibility for its consequences. The aftermath of controversial experiments, such as the first genetically edited babies, underscores the need for stronger international governance and ethical standards. In this committee, delegates must grapple with questions of safety, accountability, and fairness, crafting frameworks that protect human rights while advancing global health. Core objectives include developing enforceable bioethical guidelines, expanding access to medical innovation in developing regions, and building global consensus on responsible research.