United Nations Photo

An international gathering of scientists, economists, statesmen and administrators from 87 countries met in Geneva today, to begin a two-and-one-half week discussion on how advances in modern science and technology could be used and applied in the world's less developed areas to stimulate their economic development and to narrow the gap between the wealthier and poorer nations. The first of its kind ever to be held, the United Nations Conference on the Application of Science and Technology for the Benefit of the Less Developed Areas (UNCSAT) is meeting at the Palais des Nations until 20 February.

Seen here (from left) : Mr. P.P. Spinelli, Director of UN European Office; Mr. Philippe de Seynes, Under-Secretary, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, representing the UN Secretary-General; Prof. M.S. Thacker (India), President of UNCSAT; Prof. Carlos Chagas (Brazil), Secretary-General of UNCSAT; Mr. Alfred Katzin, Executive-Secretary of UNCSAT. In the background: Mr. Georges Laclavere, Deputy Secretary-General of UNCSAT; and Mr. James Keen, Deputy Executive-Secretary of UNCSAT.