The launch of the SDCfA initiative on Friday 8 July 2022 at the CSIR ICC laid the foundation of the creation of a collaborative and enabling environment that connects the power of science, technology, and innovation with humanity.
Taking its lead from the Decadal Plan’s context of the three Societal Grand Challenges (SGCs) – climate change and environmental sustainability, education for the future, and the future of society, the SDCfA initiative builds science diplomacy bridges on the continent of Africa and beyond.
Science in Diplomacy knows no borders – collaboration and partnerships are the strategic enabler for ‘The Africa we want’.
SCIENCE IN DIPLOMACY
Changing the role of science in foreign policy
DIPLOMACY FOR SCIENCE
Facilitating international science co-operation
SCIENCE FOR DIPLOMACY
Improving international relations between countries.
The SDCfA’s Brand Ambassadors are individuals who are passionate about promoting science diplomacy.
Simòhn Engelbrecht is one of those individuals! Her passion includes emerging economies and effective communication that bridges multicultural and interdisciplinary stakeholders.
While attending a Science Diplomacy Workshop from 18-23 July 2022 in Venice on behalf of the Centre for Collaboration in Africa [in association with the AUDA-NEPAD CoE-STI], Simòhn used the opportunity to promote the SDCfA.
During her feedback in August 2022 to the SDCfA Working Group, Simòhn shared this appropriate photograph of a sculpture in Venice.
12 SEPTEMBER
Science Educators Workshop at the CSIR ICC – SDCfA in partnership with the Australian High Commission [by invitation only]
23 SEPTEMBER
Diplomatic Community World Science Forum Briefing
3 NOVEMBER
8th Biennial Conference at the CSIR ICC – SDCfA session on Science Diplomacy for a capable state
6 – 9 DECEMBER
World Science Forum at the Cape Town ICC – SDCfA session on the future that we want – the benefits of Science Diplomacy
This Sustainable Development Goal is at ‘the heart’ of the SDCfA initiative. The range of topics, presenters, and guests at the SDCfA launch on 8 July 2022 attests to the cross-cutting landscape of stakeholders.
Collaboration between the DSI and the CSIR, and the City of Tshwane as the executive capital of South Africa, kick-started the SDCfA initiative – with the CSIR ICC as its hub. During its three-year development phase – 2022-2025 – the SDCfA will leverage collaborative opportunities across the landscape of stakeholders to achieve its purpose.
There is no doubt that we are stronger together – an integral part of the Decadal Plan in addressing the climate, education, and societal SGCs.
Co-operation in science depends on people, relations between countries depends on people. Let us be encouraged by the words of former President Nelson Mandela, “it always seems impossible, until it is done.”
Science diplomacy is the conduit that links scientific endeavours among various countries, for the purpose of addressing challenges faced by humanity.
From the UN Charter, UN Resolutions, and Agenda 2063, it is clear from the word co-operation that with the key role of science and technology and the attributes and roles of diplomats, we can address our global challenges.
The AUDA-NEPAD is committed to partner and collaborate in harnessing science diplomacy capital to enhance productive capacities, industrialisation, and intra-Africa trade in contributing to the African Continental Free Trade and growth-enhancing governance.
44 rising researchers in 38 African countries won ARISE Fellowships to boost Africa’s science economy by investing in early career researchers [Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday 15 June 2022].
The Science Diplomacy Capital in Africa is a game-changer for our continent and has the potential to transform Africa into a global innovation centre for the future of work, new ways of doing business.
Scientific and technological innovation is an important engine for the development of human society and a powerful weapon to fight against global challenges.
Reinforcing science diplomacy as the heart of Africa’s socio-economic development and growth will leverage the demographic dividend by establishing international partnerships to scale up training.
Young scientists are a valuable resource for policy-makers to increase capacity and innovate African science. They are a unified voice in Africa for creating human capital development and opportunities that excite young people.
The Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa initiative is an important step towards unleashing science to achieve the SDGs, and a sustainable and inclusive recovery. The initiative will deepen our understanding of the variety of science, research, technology and innovation pathways that may accelerate SDGs and COVID-19 recovery.
Inequality has grown. Socio-economic gaps have increased as a result of measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic … education should be restored urgently as the start to building up and strengthening countries, and to promote peace.
More than ever, we need joint research, knowledge creation, and for the ‘best minds’ in the world to be applied for the survival of humanity and the survival of what is best about humanity.
The SDCfA Working Group welcomes your input to this Newsletter
Please send your contributions and/or topics for upcoming issues to info@africasciencediplomacy.org