Science experts have emphasised the need for new technologies to ensure the Sustainable Development Goals become a reality in Africa. A key means to achieve this is through science diplomacy that involves the sharing of technological knowledge across different countries, ramping up investments in modern education systems, and encouraging gender inclusive participation in science and research for the benefit of humanity.

The call was made at a workshop held on 23 September at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York under the theme: ‘How science and innovation accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals’.

The workshop, co-organised by the Women in Science Diplomacy Association (WiSDA) and the National Council of University Research Administrators, or NCURA, was part of the 2024 Science Summit at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The workshop brought together leading experts and thought leaders in science and diplomacy to explore how innovation and scientific research can drive progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The experts emphasised the key role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in ensuring economic growth, improving well-being, mitigating the effects of climate change, and safeguarding the environment. Africa, they said, must harness its STI potential by strengthening national, regional and global knowledge exchange, promoting entrepreneurship and investing in research.

Stronger collaboration networks

“Scientists in Africa need to build stronger collaborative networks through science diplomacy that drives innovation and progress, intensifying interactions between the private sector, consumers, academia, national government and multi-lateral institutions,” Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng, executive director of the African Academy of Sciences, said in a virtual address at the workshop.

Science diplomacy should be accelerated in Africa through the use of scientific collaborations among nations to accelerate innovations aimed at addressing common development problems and driving the quest for new technology, she said.

A recent study shows that, on the heels of the Agenda 2030 programme, scientists are increasingly relying on innovative solutions to achieve the SDGs.

“Progress towards some SDGs lags seriously behind, especially in low-income countries, where the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent crises have been particularly severe. Despite these challenges, the SDGs are still achievable,” the study notes.

The exchange at the workshop emphasised the importance of inclusive science diplomacy that connects a broad range of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, diplomats, administrators, and industry leaders. It also examined the key role of women in science diplomacy and pathways towards greater gender inclusivity.

“Women remain significantly under-represented in the sciences, thus the need to promote gender inclusivity within the science diplomacy framework,” noted Evelina Santa-Kahle, science counsellor at the Germany Embassy in Washington, and co-founder of WiSDA.

She called for a new commitment from stakeholders to make the necessary changes in gender inclusivity.

“Imagine how far and how quickly we could go if today’s political leaders work with scientists, putting their full weight behind an urgent push to train more women in the sciences,” she said.

A 2024 UNESCO report shows that women make up only 35% of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) graduates, and hold only a quarter of science, engineering and ICT (information, communication and technology) jobs. It calls on stakeholders to ensure women participate on equal terms in shaping the world’s ongoing digital transformation, making sure that technology works for everyone and takes into consideration the needs of all humanity.

The need for more and equitable investment in STEM in Africa was highlighted in yet another gathering in New York, the Summit of the Future.

Academic experts are urging governments to close the “bridgeable” gap between current policies and what is required to meet the SDGs. They say this requires an accelerated rollout of more training, working hand in glove with universities in shaping science diplomacy and fostering development.

Professor Emmanuel Yenshu Vubo, social scientist and dean of the faculty of social science at the University of Buea in Cameroon, told University World News: “Higher education institutions play a crucial role in advancing science diplomacy by fostering research, education and innovation while serving as hubs for international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Governments should provide the enabling environment for universities to play their role by investing in the needed infrastructure, awarding of scholarships and financing research.”

The implementation of standards, regulations and good governance practices across different regions will reinforce cooperation for the achievement of SDGs, he said.

Original article written by Elias Ngalame and published in University World News.