The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is among the hundreds of exhibitors at the seventh World Science Forum (WSF) which is being hosted by the Republic of South Africa, the first time on African soil, from 5th to 9th December, 2022 in Cape Town.
Part of the SADC vision is to develop a region where science and technology drive sustainable social and economic development, alleviate poverty and disease, and underpin the creation of employment opportunities and wealth.
Therefore, SADC Secretariat is exhibiting at the WSF taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. In the past, SADC Secretariat has successfully participated in panel discussions and exhibitions at the South Africa Science Forum which was held in Pretoria from 2016 to 2018.
Through the Science and Innovation Sector, SADC is taking the opportunity at the exhibition to promote and share with the public some of the relevant documents including the SADC Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation which outlines the framework of cooperation between SADC Member States on matters of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The exhibition would further offer a unique opportunity to showcase how the Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation is strengthening regional cooperation and coordination; promoting the development and harmonisation of policies; promoting the value of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and technologies; and attracting, motivating and retaining scientists in the region.
WSF is a series of biennial conferences organised in partnership with leading global science organisations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the International Science Council (ISC), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC), the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the initiator and historic custodian, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA.)
It brings together leading scientists, researchers, private sector, civil society and global media from around the world to discuss the role of science in addressing global challenges facing humanity. Since its inception in 2013, it has been organised in Hungary, Brazil, and Jordan, making South Africa the first African continent to host the showpiece.
The WSF is one of the most influential global platforms to interrogate the role science should play in society and it is being convened under the theme of “Science for Social Justice.” The programme will bring together from across the world, scientists, government officials, industry leaders, media representatives, students as well as representatives from broader civil society. The Forum will deliberate in various plenary and thematic sessions, as well as side events, what role science should play in ensuring resources, opportunities and privileges are accessible to all, and distributed in a fair manner.
When delivering the keynote address on 6th December, 2022, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa said science more than ever is called upon to assist humanity in responding to the key challenges of our time including disease, climate change as well as food security. He urged delegates to ensure that the forum is not only a platform for vibrant debates and discussions, but should also lead to concreate actions, suggestions and solutions that harness science as an instrument for social justice.
He said the African continent as the origin of humanity is now being called upon to find solutions for the challenges through science that humanity faces. He further outlined that Africa has all the ingredients required to make a success and impact because of the rich and diverse complimentary expertise, access to significant collective resources, the ability to cooperate to build consensus as have been done over time and said, these are instruments and capabilities that can be mobilised for great strength in a variety of ways, including investment in science for social justice.
President Ramaphosa mentioned that the continent has the collective will and determination to ensure science makes a difference by informing policy that will create a more just world. He challenged the forum to adopt concreate declarations which will change the mindset and landscape in as far as the continent responds to challenges which can be solved through science.
