Read about Marta Perez Cuso
Marta Perez Cuso
Economic Affairs Officer
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?
Exploring opportunities to promote economic development in developing countries.
What has been your favorite IT project at the United Nations and what was your technical contribution?
Promoting more inclusive technology and innovation policies, as encapsulated in the Frontiers of Inclusive Innovation Report (https://www.unescap.org/kp/2021/frontiers-inclusive-innovation-formulati...). I ideated and led ESCAP's work in promoting more inclusive technology and innovation policies seeking to spearhead innovation beyond economic gains and ensured that investments in innovation result in social and environmental benefits and more inclusive outcomes. The program has achieved remarkable policy changes at the regional (ASEAN guidelines for promoting Inclusive Business were endorsed by Economic Ministers) and at the national level ( the Philippines has adopted a strategy to promote grassroots innovations; countries are implementing strategies to promote inclusive business models in Cambodia and Viet Nam) and has been recognized for its innovativeness.
What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?
Consider the 'why'. Technology is only an instrument to better support inclusive and sustainable development. While technology can increase the efficiency and impact of efforts to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it can also exacerbate inequalities and generate environmental hazards. Work alongside others with complementary perspectives, to better understand the social-economic and environmental implications of different technological solutions.