Science Diplomacy Session at BRICS Young Diplomats Forum in Pretoria
Young diplomats from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will discuss science diplomacy today as part of the BRICS Young Diplomats Forum taking place from 25 to 29 June 2018.
South Africa assumed the BRICS Presidency in January this year, and will host the 10th BRICS Summit next month. As at previous BRICS Summits, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is hosting a wide range of meetings to discuss the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in society.
This year there is a special focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Sessions will be held on harnessing the youth demographic dividend to make use of the opportunities of the 4th Industrial Revolution, Africa's historical contribution to STI, and the relevance of STI to the African agenda today.
This afternoon, the Minister of Science and Technology, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, will give a keynote address on South Africa’s international cooperation in science and technology, and opportunities for the BRICS partnership.
Experts from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will make a presentation on South Africa's progress in terms of innovation in engineering, medicine, mechanics, etc. for the 4th Industrial Revolution.
This will be followed by a panel discussion, with young BRICS representatives discussing connecting hearts, minds and worlds – solutions for building a better and inclusive world through science, technology and innovation.
Tomorrow there will be tours of the Cradle of Humankind and the CSIR Robotics Innovation Centre.
Media are invited as follows:
Date: 26 June 2018
Time: 13h30-17h00 (The Minister will speak from 13h40-14h00.)
Venue: Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Pretoria
To RSVP and for enquiries, please contact Thabang Setlhare, 072 659 9690 or thabang.setlhare@dst.gov.za.
