The Science Summit, held on the margins of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 10-27 September 2024, successfully convened global leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators to discuss pressing scientific and technological challenges.

The overarching goal of the summit was to bridge the gap between science and policy, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific insights inform the development and implementation of sustainable, inclusive global policies. The Science Summit fostered collaboration across sectors through dynamic sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. It explored solutions that address global challenges, focusing on sustainability, climate action, and innovation.

A key highlight of the summit was the emphasis on the transformative role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants acknowledged that science-based solutions are not just crucial, but they are the beacon of hope in tackling complex global issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, energy access, and food security. Multiple sessions delved into the critical role that STI can play in creating resilient societies and economies to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. The summit also underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-border partnerships to ensure that scientific advancements are effectively translated into actionable policies.

The South African delegation significantly contributed to the summit’s discussions, showcasing their commitment to advancing STI in pursuit of sustainable development. Representatives from the Department of Science and Innovation, the National Research Foundation, and key research institutions highlighted ongoing efforts to develop innovative solutions in agriculture, healthcare, water management, and climate resilience. South Africa’s participation underscored the importance of African leadership in global science and regional collaboration in addressing shared challenges and emphasised the value of leveraging local expertise to drive global progress.

One of the summit’s most critical discussions focused on funding hydrogen projects in developing countries and the role of critical raw materials, such as lithium and cobalt, in the green energy transition. Participants examined both the opportunities and challenges of shifting towards renewable energy, highlighting the need for careful resource management to ensure a just and equitable transition. These discussions laid the groundwork for further collaboration on sustainable energy solutions, particularly in regions most vulnerable to climate change.

The summit also provided a platform for sharing best practices and strategies for building resilient, sustainable systems. Multiple sessions examined the importance of data-driven decision-making and technology integration in addressing public health, water security, and environmental protection. Artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and other emerging technologies were highlighted to improve resource management and foster more efficient, sustainable development practices.

The Science Summit successfully promoted dialogue and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and innovators. The event reinforced the importance of STI in addressing global challenges and shaping a sustainable future. Moving forward, the ideas and partnerships fostered at the summit will be critical in driving meaningful progress toward achieving the SDGs. The commitment of all participants to work together in pursuit of a more equitable, sustainable world serves as a strong foundation for implementing actionable strategies that will benefit both people and the planet.

 The Science Summit is best understood as a process