African science collaboration promoted in new techno initiative
To promote science collaboration across Africa and beyond, leveraging and connecting technological innovation with humanity.
SCIENTIFIC research will have more impetus in formulating diplomatic response on the continent following the launch of the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCFA) in Pretoria last week.
The SDCFA, an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will promote science collaboration across Africa and beyond, leveraging and connecting technological innovation with humanity.
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The department’s deputy director-general for international resources and co-operation Daan du Toit delivered Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande’s message at the event.
He applauded the initiative, stating it would ensure the “very best of South African and African scientific input is harnessed to enrich diplomacy’s response to the key societal challenges”.
Among these are pandemic disease, energy security, climate change and, most critically, the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
“The initiative will promote the formation of enhanced science diplomacy partnerships, which will provide a platform to leverage the expertise and resources of our international partners,” said Nzimande.
“This will conceptualise new co-operation programmes which will deliver real impact, with the active participation of historically disadvantaged institutions and individuals.”
He said it was important for unleashing the tremendous soft power of science, “which knows no borders, unites and not divides, to reinforce global solidarity and a commitment to multilateralism”.
The SDCFA will leverage the more than 100 diplomatic missions and leading research and academic institutions in the City of Tshwane.
The initiative will facilitate networking between the diplomatic community in Africa and abroad to address common problems.
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