Science as a Driver for Development: The Role and Contribution of African Science Leadership

Official Side Event at FfD4 

Please note that this event is an official off site event of the UN Financing for Development Conference (FfD4). Session ID 1966048

Location: Hotel Alfonso XIII – Salon Cartuja, (San Fernando street, 2, Sevilla 41004)

The United Nations Financing for Development Conference (FfD4), which will take place in Seville, Spain, from 30 June – 3 July 2025, is a critical global platform where stakeholders discuss strategies for mobilising and utilising financial resources to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). FfD4 will accelerate progress towards these goals, address persistent funding gaps, and foster inclusive economic growth. In this context, science, technology, and innovation (STI) are essential drivers of sustainable development, providing solutions to complex challenges such as poverty, climate change, health, and education.

To address scientific questions concerning global challenges, research collaboration across the globe is required, and reciprocity elements are necessary in ensuring that research activity and its outcomes are a public good. Those values are in line with the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), necessary elements in implementing the UN New Agenda for Peace. Many strategic and practical challenges to collaboration persist, for example joint call definition, research policy alignment and visa processing issues.

To establish reciprocal research collaboration, regions should co-design partnerships that reflect their needs and objectives that benefit from research results. The SDGs are a key example of global commitment, demonstrating the importance of defining shared objectives to drive collaboration and co-creation.

Moreover, African science leadership is crucial in advancing the development agenda and contributing to global sustainable development efforts. This session aims to advocate for greater investment in research and innovation and ensure that science-based solutions are central to financing strategies for development. The session will also showcase successful examples of leveraging funds for scientific research in the African continent. Lastly, how can African science leadership input into the EU’s development agenda for the period 2027 – 2034, as well as other international funding instruments and philanthropic organisations.

This discussion further builds on the outcomes of Science Europe’s 2023 High Level Workshop on the European Research Area, the conclusions of its event on Reciprocity in Multilateral Research Collaboration, part of the Science Summit during the UNGA79 (2024).

The session will:

1. Highlight the importance of science and innovation as key drivers for Africa’s sustainable development and economic growth.
2. Discuss the role of African scientific leadership in shaping policy dialogues and providing input for the FfD4, ensuring that the continent’s priorities are reflected in global financing strategies.
3. Showcase successful mobilization of international funding into the Africa continent.
4. Identify opportunities and challenges in leveraging science for development, including the need for increased funding, capacity building, and collaboration.
5. Develop actionable recommendations for enhancing the role of science in development financing and maximising the impact of scientific research on African societies.

The session will bring together African policymakers, scientists, funding agencies, and international partners to discuss pathways for leveraging STI for sustainable development and providing a strong African voice in global financing for development conversations.

Agenda

11:00             Opening and Welcome Remarks

Eudy Mabuza, Senior Science, Technology and Innovation Representative, Brussels, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South Africa

11:05             Welcome Address: Overview of the session objectives and the importance of African scientific leadership in global development financing                           

Lise Korsten, President: African Academy of Science, Kenya

11:20             Keynote Presentation: “Harnessing Science for Sustainable Development: Showcasing of successful resource mobilization for African the African continent”

Javier Moreno Fuentes, Vice-President CSIC, Vice-President Science Europe

11:35              Panel Discussion: Overcoming Barriers to Financing African Science for Development

 Co-Moderators:

Lidia Borrell-Damián, Secretary General, Science Europe

Mamohloding Tlhagale, Acting Executive: Stakeholder and Communication, Water Research Commission, South Africa

Panelists:

Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive: Business Advancement of the National Research Foundation of South Africa

Berry Bonenkamp, Coordinator International Policy, Dutch Research Council NWO

Nompumelelo Obokoh, Chief Executive Officer, South Africa Council for Natural Scientific Professions

Inger Midtkandal, National Contact Point (NCP) Coordinator, Research Council of Norway (RCN)

Sarah Mosoetsa, Chief Executive Officer: Human and Social Research Council, South Africa

12:20             Closing Remarks

Robert Shaku, CFO: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, South Africa

Registration