It provides analysis and foresight about critical trends in STI in key sectors of the economy, the environment and society, drawing attention to emerging and disruptive technologies. The twenty-first annual session of the CSTD was held from 14 to 18 May 2018 in Geneva and addressed two priority themes: (i) the role of science, technology and innovation in increasing the share of renewable energy by 2030, and (ii) building digital competencies to benefit from existing and emerging technologies, with special focus on gender and youth dimensions. The collaboration will continue in 2019 with a young scientist program through which 24 scientists from CSTD developing countries will have the opportunity to work in China from six to twelve months and exchange experience and knowledge. The needs assessment reviews aim at identifying technological gaps and priority needs and providing recommendations for strengthening policies and measures to improve national and regional technological capabilities and encourage innovation.