International conference looks at how science can boost sustainable growth
Scientists from around the world will meet in Cape Town from 28 February to 2 March to discuss how best science can guide sustainable development globally.
Hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Conference and General Assembly 2016 will take place in Hermanus, under the theme "Science Advice".
There is a growing movement internationally to bring together science advisors to share best practices and form a network to deal with global challenges, such as food security and climate change. Science is also at the heart of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, integrating the best science into the plans of government and others working towards the SDGs, remains a challenge.
The conference will bring scholars from South Africa and abroad together for discussions on science advice as an ecosystem, in times of emergency or disaster, and in the international arena. Country readiness for science advice and the interplay between science advice, politics and the media will also be covered.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony. The conference is funded by the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation, among others.
Eminent international speakers will include Prof Sir Peter Gluckman, Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Prof Jacqueline McGlade, Chief Science Advisor to the United Nations. Mr David Mair of the European Commission and the Co-Chairs of the IAP, Prof Volker ter Meulen (Germany) and Prof Mohamed Hassan (Sudan), will also speak at the event.
Side events before and during the conference will provide several opportunities for expert engagement. These include a workshop on science advice for African scientists, and a workshop on off-grid energy for rural development.
ASSAf which marks its 20th anniversary this year will also launch a report on Women for Science: Inclusion and Participation in Academies of Science.
For more information, visit the conference website: www.interacademies.net/ProjectsAndActivities/10880/25481.aspx.
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Enquiries:
Patricia Scholtz
Cell: 082 550 0757
E-mail: patsy@assaf.org.za
David Mandaha
Cell: 072 126 8910
E-mail: david.mandaha@dst.gov.za
