The NRF at United Nations Science Summit 2024

The NRF shares learned experiences to improve reciprocity and inclusion in multilateral research partnerships

The NRF is participating in the UN Science Summit taking place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly 79 (UNGA79) from 10-27 September 2024.

The Science Summit serves as a dynamic platform to showcase cutting-edge research, share knowledge, and foster inclusive international collaboration. With the intent to provide input to the UN Summit of the Future (21-22 September 2024), the Science Summit’s focus on science cooperation for a sustainable future seeks to add the voice of science to  accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The NRF is engaged as one of the Science Summit’s hosting partners and seeks to utilise its engagement to position the NRF as a partner of choice, to contribute to a visible voice of Africa in the deliberations and engage in mutual learning on topics linked to global science diplomacy. The NRF’s key message at the Summit is on the importance of inclusion and reciprocity as prerequisites to building a scientific enterprise that serves all of humanity.

Led by Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive: Business Advancement, the NRF team is moderating, chairing, and participating in panels of sessions to discuss:

• Unlocking the potential of data for decision making in international development;
• Reciprocity in multilateral research collaboration;
• Advancement of the role of women in science for sustainable development in Africa; and
• The Africa Science Leadership plenary