The inaugural Africa Science Diplomacy Conference (ASDC) 2026 invites the African and global science diplomacy community to submit proposals for engaging, high-quality conference sessions.
The conference will bring together policymakers, diplomats, researchers, universities, research organisations, government representatives, international organisations, civil society, the private sector, funding agencies and multilateral partners to explore the role of science diplomacy in addressing shared global and continental challenges.
ASDC 2026 provides a platform to examine how science diplomacy can strengthen international cooperation, support sustainable development, promote peace and prosperity, foster innovation, and advance the implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034).
Session proposals are encouraged to stimulate dialogue on emerging opportunities, successful partnerships, innovative practices and future directions for science diplomacy in Africa and globally.
Deadline
The submission deadline is 31 August 2026.
Strategic themes
Cross-cutting and interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged. Submissions should address one or more of the following strategic themes:
- Africa’s contribution to strengthening global solidarity and multilateralism through science diplomacy.
- African science diplomacy as a driver of international cooperation.
- Science diplomacy in support of the implementation of STISA 2034.
- Global partnerships with and within Africa that advance science diplomacy.
- Innovation through science diplomacy.
- Agenda setting and emerging drivers of science diplomacy.
- The future of science diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected and technologically advancing world.
Conference tracks
Session proposals should align with one or more of the following conference tracks:
Science diplomacy for global solidarity and multilateralism
Science diplomacy has become an increasingly important instrument for fostering international cooperation and addressing complex global challenges. This track will explore how Africa and its international partners are using science diplomacy to strengthen global solidarity, reinforce multilateral governance, and develop collaborative responses to pressing societal issues.
Topics may include:
- African leadership and success stories in science diplomacy
- Science diplomacy and multilateral cooperation
- Climate change, biodiversity and environmental sustainability
- Global health and health security
- Food, water and energy security
- Science diplomacy and sustainable industrialisation
- Science as a bridge for cooperation and development
Science diplomacy in support of STISA 2034
This track focuses on the role of science diplomacy in advancing the implementation of Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (STISA 2034). Discussions will explore how international partnerships, policy alignment and institutional cooperation can support Africa’s science, technology and innovation priorities.
Topics may include:
- Science diplomacy supporting STISA 2034 implementation
- Institutional capacity building and policy coherence
- International cooperation for science, technology and innovation
- Alignment with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals
- Regional and continental science collaboration
- Leveraging partnerships to advance African innovation priorities
Global partnerships with and within Africa
International scientific collaboration is increasingly shaped by diverse partnership models and actors. This track examines how science diplomacy can strengthen equitable partnerships within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world.
Topics may include:
- South-South, North-South and triangular cooperation
- International research partnerships
- Access to emerging technologies
- Knowledge co-creation and equitable collaboration
- Science diplomacy in multilateral forums and global governance institutions
- Ethical approaches to international scientific cooperation
- Science diplomacy and multilateralism
The science of science diplomacy
As science diplomacy continues to evolve as a field of practice and study, there is growing interest in understanding its effectiveness, impacts and underlying mechanisms. This track focuses on developing the evidence base for science diplomacy through research, evaluation and capacity building.
Topics may include:
- Concepts, definitions and frameworks for science diplomacy
- Science diplomacy education and training
- Monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment
- Methodologies and indicators for science diplomacy
- Comparative studies and best practices
- Strengthening the evidence base for policy and practice
- Understanding science diplomacy form an African context
Science diplomacy for trade, investment and innovation
Science diplomacy can play a critical role in driving economic development by facilitating innovation, attracting investment and strengthening international collaboration. This track explores how science diplomacy can support economic transformation, industrial development and innovation-led growth across Africa.
Topics may include:
- Innovation ecosystems and international cooperation
- Technology transfer and commercialisation
- Bilateral, trilateral and multilateral innovation partnerships
- Public-private partnerships in science, technology and innovation
- Research and innovation funding mechanisms
- Science diplomacy and industrialisation
- Science diplomacy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- Funding and investment on science diplomacy towards economic growth
Cross-cutting considerations
All proposals are encouraged to incorporate relevant cross-cutting issues, including:
- Science advice for policy.
- Open science.
- Indigenous and local knowledge systems.
- Research and innovation ecosystems.
- Digital transformation and emerging technologies.
- Equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Capacity development and skills.
- Youth leadership and participation.
- Gender equality.
- Ethics and responsible research and innovation.
Panels should reflect diversity across geography, gender, career stage, institutional affiliation and stakeholder groups. Organisers are encouraged to include representatives from diplomacy, government, academia, research organisations, civil society, industry, funding agencies, youth organisations and grassroots innovation initiatives.
Session guidelines
The conference encourages highly interactive formats. Suggested formats include:
- Panel discussions: A moderator and up to four panellists. Individual presentations should be limited to approximately 7 to 10 minutes to maximise audience engagement.
- Roundtable discussions: Interactive discussions that encourage dialogue between speakers and participants following brief introductory remarks.
In addition:
- Proposals should integrate cross-cutting themes that stimulate interdisciplinary discussion.
- All submissions will be reviewed by the ASDC 2026 Organising and Steering Committees.
- The Committees reserve the right to request revisions, consolidation or modifications before final programme acceptance.
Selection criteria
Proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Alignment with the conference objectives, theme and conference tracks.
- Quality, originality and relevance of the proposed topic.
- Potential to generate meaningful discussion and audience engagement.
- Interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral perspectives.
- International and continental relevance.
- Diversity of speakers, including gender balance, geographic representation, early-career researchers and youth.
- Multi-stakeholder participation involving government, diplomacy, academia, research organisations, civil society, industry and international partners.
- Potential for broader impact, visibility and media interest.
Organisational information
Session organisers are responsible for:
- Identifying and confirming moderators and speakers.
- Avoiding multiple speakers from the same organisation wherever possible.
- Supporting promotion of their session through their own networks.
The conference will provide standard audiovisual and venue facilities.
All sessions will be delivered in person. Speakers are expected to attend physically. In exceptional circumstances, virtual or pre-recorded participation may be considered.
Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and related expenses.
Key dates
- 31 August 2026: Deadline for submission of session proposals.
- August to September 2026: Review of proposals by the ASDC 2026 Organising Committee.
- Where appropriate, proposers may be invited to revise or merge proposals.
- 15 September 2026: Notification of accepted sessions.