“The success of this Forum will be measured not only by the quality of the debates and the exhibition, but also by the vibrancy of the networking outside the formal programme”. This was said by Professor Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation for the Republic of South Africa when delivering the remarks at the official opening of the Science Forum South Africa held from 6 to 8 December 2023 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
The Minister underscored that the Science Forum South Africa 2023's significance should not be its mere organisation and the participation by people, but the difference its outcomes and our actions will make in the life of people.
Professor Nzimande quoted a quotation from Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa and said “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”.
The annual Science Forum is a large, open, public platform for debating the science and society interface. The theme for this year’s Forum is “Igniting Conversations About Science – People, Partnerships, Priorities for the Decadal Plan”.
The objectives of the Science Forum are to create a platform for a vibrant debate on the role of science, technology and innovation in society; to promote international science, technology and innovation partnerships; and to create a platform for key science, technology and innovation actors, including senior government leaders, academics, scientists, industry, civil society, and students to interact.
The event brought together more than 1 500 participants for discussions and debates on science and exhibition. The SADC Secretariat was among the multitudes of participants who took part in the discussions and exhibited at the Forum.
Science Forum South Africa is co-hosted by the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA). The SDCfA promotes science collaboration across the African continent and beyond towards leveraging and connecting technology and innovation with humanity.
