5.1. Tecnologia i Justícia Global

The Role of Science and Technology in Global Justice

Introduction to the Speaker

• Daniel López Codina, a biophysicist and professor at UPC for 40 years, integrates his scientific work with university cooperation efforts.

• He emphasizes the importance of infusing values into teaching and research, focusing on global interest topics.

Importance of Science and Technology

• Science and technology have fundamentally improved living conditions worldwide through innovations like antibiotics, vaccines, agricultural advancements, water treatment technologies, energy production, and communications.

• Acknowledges that science and technology are crucial for global justice; they must be directed towards creating a fairer world.

• Stresses that ethics should guide scientific work to ensure it promotes equality.

Perspectives on Technology

Legal Perspective

• Discusses the right to technology; unequal access creates new forms of colonialism and social inequalities based on gender or class.

• Advocates for quality technology to be accessible to all as a fundamental right linked to health, food security, water access, and communication rights.

Technical Perspective

• Introduces "technological security," akin to food security but applicable across essential services like water, energy, communications, and health.

• Highlights the need for technological sovereignty where communities manage their resources independently from external control.

Political Perspective

• Emphasizes that technological sovereignty counters dependency which is viewed as a modern form of colonialism.

• Critiques powerful nations exploiting resources from the Global South while often treating these regions unjustly.

Extractivism as Modern Colonialism

• Defines extractivism as a contemporary form of colonization focused on resource extraction rather than benefiting local populations.

• Notes that this exploitation can lead to labor abuses including child labor; highlights environmental injustices such as dumping electronic waste in developing countries.

The Need for Transformative Cooperation

• Argues against paternalistic aid models in science and technology; advocates for transformative cooperation that fosters mutual cultural exchange.

• Stresses education's role in fostering genuine partnerships between communities rather than mere assistance.

Education's Role in Development

• Recognizes progress made in literacy globally but asserts that reading skills alone are insufficient for driving meaningful change.

The Importance of Quality Secondary Education in Science and Technology

The Need for Enhanced Secondary Education

• Basic knowledge is insufficient; there is a critical need to advance secondary education, particularly in science and technology, as it paves the way for university access and technical training.

• A strong emphasis on secondary education is essential to produce skilled professionals such as electricians, IT specialists, and healthcare technicians.

University Responsibilities and Research Ethics

• Universities must engage in teaching and research that promotes open access to technology and data circulation.

• The three core obligations of universities include teaching, research, and knowledge dissemination; high-quality research enhances educational quality.

• While pursuing cutting-edge research (e.g., nanomaterials), universities should also focus on addressing real-world problems faced by global populations.

Open Knowledge Creation

• Public research should aim to create open knowledge accessible to all countries, ensuring that science fosters opportunities rather than inequalities.

• Research must prioritize developing affordable, high-quality technology that addresses genuine human needs through collaboration with affected communities.

Gender Inclusion in Science and Technology

• Women's participation is crucial for human development; approximately 50% of the global population are women whose involvement is necessary for societal advancement.

• Efforts in science and technology education from secondary levels up must ensure women's talents are recognized and utilized effectively.

Towards Global Technological Justice

• It’s vital for women to play a leading role in defining the direction of teaching and research within science and technology fields.

• Achieving global technological justice requires reducing dependencies through open-access technologies while ensuring women's co-leadership in these initiatives.