Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng, Executive Director of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), highlighted the vital need for equitable research partnerships between Europe and Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) during the "Building an Inclusive, Sustainable, and Resilient Future for All" event in Brussels. Organized by the European Research Alliance for Sustainable Development (ERASuD), the event underscored the role of science diplomacy and international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequities.

Dr Oti-Boateng emphasized that trust, shared vision, and mutual respect are key to fostering impactful collaborations. “Equitable research partnerships require shared ownership, capacity building, and sustainable funding. These are not just principles; they are imperatives for ensuring that research addresses the needs and priorities of both regions,” she said.

Key Principles for Equitable Collaboration
Dr Oti-Boateng outlined three fundamental principles to achieve truly equitable partnerships:
1.    Shared Ownership: Research projects must be co-designed, ensuring relevance to the priorities of both regions and fostering mutual accountability.
2.    Capacity Building: Collaborative initiatives should prioritize empowering LMIC researchers through skills development, leadership roles, and institutional strengthening.
3.    Sustainable Funding: Long-term financial support is crucial to drive impactful research, enable technology transfer, and deliver sustainable community-level outcomes.

While acknowledging the strengths of existing EU instruments such as the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, the Global Gateway Investment Package, and the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE), Dr Oti-Boateng stressed the need for further improvements. She called for:
•    Increased Funding: Greater resource allocation to fully implement collaborative frameworks and expand their reach.
•    Policy Translation: Translating research outcomes into tangible policies, goods, and services that address pressing societal challenges.
•    Inclusivity in Future Programs: Ensuring equitable access for LMIC researchers in the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

The AAS continues to champion equitable partnerships that align with its mission to leverage research excellence for sustainable development. The Academy’s advocacy aligns with its vision of transformed lives through science, contributing to global goals such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. "The challenges we face demand not just collaboration but transformation," Dr Oti-Boateng concluded. "Through equitable research partnerships, we can build a future that is inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of all."