A Message From Commonwealth Secretary-General HE Kamalesh Sharma On Commonwealth Day 8 March 2010
In the Commonwealth and the world over, our use of science and technology – in the causes of society and development –
has been largely for the good.
Recent medical advances have allowed us to understand and tackle the world’s greatest health challenges, for instance
with new pharmaceuticals, genetic analysis, bio-technology, diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Technological progress has changed the way that we provide information and education, and conduct business. Other
advances have allowed us to improve both the quality and the quantity of the food that we have available. New solar,
wind and other technologies allow us to use carbon-neutral energy.
It is clear that one of the biggest services that science and technology can render to humanity will be in providing the
environmental solutions which the world so actively seeks, and the Commonwealth can play a role in helping developing
countries to access that help, especially through partnerships.
The consequences of our progress, however, have not always been fully realised at the time that new technologies were
introduced. Some have later presented safety and environmental concerns, while others have raised moral and ethical
questions.
New ideas and inventions sometimes challenge established values and ways. Questions arise about whether a new
technology, for instance, takes a step too far in terms of civil liberties, or if it has other social consequences.
In finding a way forward, each of us as Commonwealth citizens in democratic societies needs to be informed, to
understand, and to exchange opinion about the possibilities of science and technology. The discussion needs to be held
as much in universities, laboratories and government offices, as in homes, schools, and in the media. Society will
benefit fully where all people, including the vulnerable and those on the margins, are involved in public discussion and
its outcomes.
In the Commonwealth, we place great emphasis on ensuring that progress embraces all. We build and maintain partnerships
and networks, so that people can come together to learn from and share with each other, and profit from this
collectively. It is well recognised that science and technology are integral to our future as a global community, and
that future possibilities are beyond our present imagining. Science and Technology only fulfill their promise when they
serve Society.
ENDS