Israel ranked second in its commitment to R&D investment, contributing to the UN’s Agenda for Sustainable Development.
By: United with Israel Staff
Israel invests heavily in research and development, and by doing gives a strong boost to the well-being of all humanity.
In 2017, the United Nations outlined its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which consist of 17 goals for the international community to be implemented by 2030 “to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.”
The UN’s ninth goal, to “build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation,” is present in all facets of Israeli society. From security, to health, to transportation, Israeli startups have not only significantly bolstered Israel’s economy, but continue to improve the quality of life for millions around the world.
With more startups per capita than any other country, Israel continues to use its expertise in science and technology to find solutions to a series of global challenges.
Israeli startups like Mobileye, a company which developed technology for autonomous driving and driving assistance systems to prevent collisions and accidents, are saving lives and helping the United Nations meet a diverse set of goals.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics’ (UIS) latest research, Israel ranked second in its commitment to invest in R&D, thus promoting global progress towards achieving this key SDG target.
According to the report, Israel has 8,250 researches per million inhabitants, and spends over $12 billion in R&D purchasing power parity dollars (PPP$), placing it after South Korea and way ahead of the US, ranked 10th.
Investing in Our Future
Global spending on R&D has reached a record high of almost $1.7 trillion. About 10 countries account for 80 percent of spending.
“Investing in R&D is investing in our future. Over the last few years, Israel has been assigning significant resources to encourage innovation, which betters people’s lives in Israel and around the globe,” tweeted Yuval Rotem, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israel has earned high praise from the United Nations for its efforts to promote the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Speaking at an international conference hosted by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya’s School of Sustainability last December, Roberto Valent, the Special Representative of the United Nations Development Program, informed participants that “Israel is pushing forward and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a very practical manner. The UN is very happy that Israel is advanced in not only its own actions towards the SDGs implementation, but in also providing a platform for others in the areas of gender, gender equality, education, and especially in innovation.”
“Israel is proud to advance the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and will continue to work with the international community to create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for all,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated.