OECD science ministers adopt 'Daejeon Declaration' on cooperation

Science and technology ministers from member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have adopted a joint declaration, vowing cooperation among them.

The "Daejeon Declaration on Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for the Global and Digital Age" came after a two-day meeting of the top science policymakers of the OECD states in South Korea's central city of Daejeon, a hub of technology research and development.

"Science technologies will improve the quality of life for all our citizens as they increase employment, productivity and economic growth in a sustainable manner over the long term," the joint declaration read.

The declaration also suggests ways to set the stage for the world to achieve sustainable growth through science and to tackle common challenges, such as economic slowdowns and climate change.

The OECD science ministerial-level meeting was the first of its kind since 2004 and the first to be held outside of Paris where the 34-member economic body is headquartered.