World Science Forum to tackle social justice

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) invites the media to the World Science Forum (WSF) 2022, to be hosted for the first time in Cape Town from 6 to 9 December, under the theme "Science for Social Justice".  The DSI’s annual Science Forum South Africa will not take place this year, as it hosts the global forum.

Taking place in Africa for the first time, the WSF is among the most significant science gatherings worldwide.  It takes place every two years and attracts scientists from all over the world.  Established by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the gathering deliberates on the social and economic relevance, influence and responsibilities of science.

A packed programme has been designed that includes 28 thematic sessions, which cover topics like climate change, science for human dignity, the Sustainable Development Goals, science for Africa and science diplomacy.  A series of pre-events has also been organised, 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 with the international Square Kilometre Array Organisation.

See the full programme here. 

South Africa is hoping to achieve three key goals by hosting the first WSF in Africa, namely: to promote global debate that inspires action; to 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.

Speakers alongside the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, will be: Professors Roula Inglesi-Lotz, Co-Chair of the Global Young Academy; Tamás Freund, President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences; Felix Dakora, President of the African Academy of Sciences; and Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council.

Other speakers will include: Dr Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO, and Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of Jordan's Royal Scientific Society. 

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 the new challenges facing science in the 21st century.

To register for the event, please click here. 

For media attendance, please contact Veronica Mohapeloa at 083 400 5750 or Thabang Setlhare at 072 659 9690.