Strategic Themes and Conference Tracks
Track 1: 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
Track 2: 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
Track 3: 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
Track 4: 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
Track 5: 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 Themes
In addition to the conference tracks, proposals that address the following cross-cutting themes are particularly encouraged:
- Africa’s contribution to global science diplomacy
- International cooperation and multilateralism
- Innovation and emerging technologies
- Science diplomacy capacity development
- Future directions for science diplomacy
- Science diplomacy for sustainable development
- Inclusive and equitable international partnerships