What: Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future

International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners convened by the African Union Commission and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) under the patronage of H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

When:            30 September - 2 October 2024

Where:          African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Who: African Union Commission Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation and UNESCO under the patronage of H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Why:

The International Forum aims to strengthen interdisciplinary and collaborative research capacity across Africa, focusing on promoting knowledge-driven sustainable development and fostering more inclusive South-South and South-South-North research partnerships.

With Africa’s future inextricably linked to global sustainable development, the Forum will explore diverse ways of harnessing knowledge systems to reframe Africa’s future in alignment with Agenda 2063, and address pressing global challenges. Participants will engage with alternative future scenarios, critically analyze Africa’s research and development ecosystems, and discuss policies and strategies for expanding access to knowledge and innovation.

Objectives:

• Examine the implications of diverse future scenarios of Africa for research, science, innovation and development ecosystems.
• Strengthen partnerships between African higher education institutions and global research networks.
• Examine frameworks and policies that support knowledge-based economies and innovation-driven societies.
• Explore strategies to enhance access to knowledge for marginalized groups and underrepresented communities.

•  Highlight the role of education in building a knowledge-driven workforce and future for Africa.

For media inquiries, please contact:

1. Ms. Hiba Mohamed |Advocacy Officer| Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: hibae@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
2. Mr. Maqhawe Freedom Thwala |Digital Communications Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: ThwalaM@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
3. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Website: http://www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia I Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram| YouTube |