South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the opening session of the World Science Forum (WSF) in Cape Town.
The President’s participation in the World Science Forum (WSF) will be a highlight of South Africa’s first hosting of this global forum under the auspices of the Department of Science and Innovation.
The theme for the forum, which will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre until 9 December 2022, is “Science for Social Justice”.
World Science Forum: Science for Social Justice
The WSF takes place every two years and is among the most significant science gatherings worldwide, where scientists from all over the world engage on the role science should play in society.
South Africa’s hosting of the event itself creates significant economic activity in the host city of Cape Town, as well as industries countrywide that support such an occasion.
Promoting global debate
In hosting this forum, South Africa is looking to promote global debate that inspires action, provide support for African leadership in global science policy discussions, and to promote South Africa as a strategic partner for global science collaboration in response to societal challenges.
Established by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the gathering will see renowned thought leaders deliberate on various topics that include science for human dignity, science for climate justice, science diplomacy for multilateralism, and science for Africa and the World.
The event will be a platform for more than 900 leading scientists and decision-makers from the politics and industry, representatives of civil society, and the media to express their views on new challenges facing science in the 21st century.
A series of pre-events has also been organized, including a Science Journalism Programme, discussions about the green hydrogen economy, an air-quality fun run in Sea Point and Khayelitsha, excursions to scientific facilities in and around Cape Town, a robotics boot camp for learners, a Women in Science film festival and a breakfast function with the international Square Kilometre Array Organisation.
President Ramaphosa recently returned from a state visit to the UK, the first hosted by King Charles III.