Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries - NASAC

Expectations on the Academy Development Initiative Webinar on Role of Academies of Sciences in Africa

mbuldys — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 17:21:00 +0000

Statement by Mr. Joshua Setipa, Managing Director

29 July 2021, Turkey

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to be on this webinar and reconnect with you. Since the last time we interacted especially with the lead academies, there have been a number of developments in supporting academies of sciences in Africa.

In 2020, the Technology Bank and NASAC partnered to support LDCs to establish and support existing academies that resulted in launches of academies in Angola, Lesotho, DRC and Malawi. More are planned during this year of which the Champions are present today.

It is critical at this juncture to highlight the importance of ensuring that all newly established academies of sciences must be registered as legal entities, must maintain independence as well as be able to mobilize resources that will make them sustainable. The launch is the first of many milestones which are more challenging and require political and financial commitment.

COVID19 pandemic made 2020 unprecedented, disrupting every fiber of mankind but it was through science that a breakthrough was reached in the development of the COVID19 vaccines. It is not for me to preach to the converted that science is driver of sustainable development and is applicable in all that we do.

The purpose of this webinar as articulated in the agenda is to explore collaboration amongst the academies of sciences especially how newly established academies of sciences can be supported and mentored by leading academies. It is the view of Technology Bank and NASAC to make these webinars regular to provide a platform for engagement amongst the academies, encourage active participation and share experiences towards providing evidence-based advice to policymakers.

I take this opportunity to also articulate some ideas and recommendations that can enhance the role of academies of sciences in Africa as follows:

Facilitating engagement of policymakers with science academies in an open and inclusive manner that will ensure that evidence informs policy formulation, implementation, and review.
Create opportunities that bring scientists and policymakers together including seconding and inviting scientists into the policy making institutions like Parliaments and specific government departments through Masters and PhD fellowships.
Establish programmes that engage the scientists in the diaspora is essential for small countries like Lesotho for example. This should be coupled with the development of science policy leadership in all countries.
Strengthen cooperation between senior academies and female and young, scientists. Young academies can be effective in engaging with universities, schools, and the public. Established academies should also work with new academies by taking advantage of the bilateral cooperation between countries and some multilateral bodies like the Regional Economic Communities and the African Union.

From the perspective of the Technology Bank, we also place priority on promoting Science diplomacy and leveraging the multilateral system in the use of diplomatic actions to further scientific and technological progress as well as in providing advice to inform and support foreign policy objectives.

Science diplomacy will facilitate dialogue on the implications of rapid technological developments that can be disruptive (good and bad) to societies in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative consequences and threats from technological advances (e.g., AI, gene editing, synthetic biology, robotics, big data, blockchain, social media, etc.).

Science diplomacy will also accelerate progress on the global goals, especially the global environmental goals (climate, oceans, biodiversity), to safeguard the planet and help countries understand and commit to their share of global responsibilities.

Enhancing STI capacity in developing and emerging economies in the UN Technology Facilitation Mechanism initiative on “STI for SDGs roadmaps” is a viable vehicle for a number of countries.

Lasty, I wish you a productive meeting and would not close without, informing you that the Fifth Conference for the Least Developed Countries will be held in January 2022 and that they First Africa Science Festival to be organized by the African Union.

I thank you.

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UN Technology Bank and The Network of African Science Academies support the launch of the Academy of Sciences in Malawi

mbuldys — Wed, 19 May 2021 10:14:00 +0000

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Lighting up lives: Training women in Malawi to become solar power engineers.

UN Women/Gaganjit Singh

Lilongwe/Gebze – UN Technology Bank and The Network of African Science Academies continue to support LDCs in establishing academies of sciences. The partnership has supported the launch of the Academy of Sciences in Malawi, an independent organization intended to promote science and engineering and strengthen their influence in Malawi. The Academy will contribute towards the implementation of the Malawi 2063 led by the National Planning Commission. The Ministry of Education's Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), and the National Commission of Science and Technology will also support the Academy towards meeting the strategic and development goals under the theme “Science Driving Malawi Towards 2063 Agenda.”

The UN Technology Bank works to support the establishment and strengthening of the capacities of Academies of Science in the least developed countries (LDCs) to play a critical role in advising governments on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy development and implementation to address socio-economic challenges and promote development. The launch is the beginning of a long-term vision that requires both political will and financial support to fully achieve the aspirations of Malawian scientists throughout the world.

The Academy of Sciences in Malawi will promote excellence in scientific research conducted by scientists who are citizens of Malawi and foster contacts and collaboration among and between scientists and the broader global scientific fraternity. The Academy will also advise the government of Malawi on scientific aspects of social and economic issues and all matters related to science teaching, research, and science education. The Academy will promote STEM to the youth as well as use science to empower women.

"The Academy of Sciences in Malawi is being established within a national and regional context to help lift our national capacity for science and so contribute to addressing our national and regional socio-economic challenges. In so doing it is important that the Academy, while safeguarding its independence, works closely with government bodies responsible for, and interfacing with, science and technology, such as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in the Ministry of Education, the National Commission for Science and Technology and the National Planning Commission," said Hon. Agnes NyaLonje, Minister of Education.

The Academies of Science are essential sources of current and emerging leaders in science, engineering and medicine, and advocates for STI. They are also think tanks made of the top scientists in the country, the engagement with the private sector, civil society, and the diaspora.

"The support of the Technology Bank has been towards the preparations of the constitution, constitution reviewed online and adaption by a plenary of scientists in-country. It is important that the Academy becomes a legal entity, develops the strategic plan, prepares a resource mobilisation strategy to ensure its sustainability, and maintains its independence. Reaching these milestones will allow Academy to become a provider of scientific advice to the government of the Republic of Malawi towards the attainment of Malawi 2063," said Joshua Setipa, Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank.

“Establishing the Academy of Sciences in Malawi is a long-term commitment by African scientists to promote scientific excellence and support science-informed development,” stated Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou, President of Network of African Academies.

Prof. Richard Catlow, Co-President of the InterAcademy Partnership highlighted, “Academies play a vital role in their national and global community. They can help strengthen the scientific infrastructure of a nation or region by promoting and advising on science education and acting as an advocate for the value of the investment in scientific research. Moreover, they have the credibility to inform the public and policy-makers about problems and potential solutions. Their credibility comes from the scientific excellence of their members and the fact that they are free of vested political and commercial interests. The Interacademy Partnership is delighted to welcome the Academy of Sciences in Malawi, and we look forward to working with you as a fellow member of that community.”

The Academy of Sciences in Malawi should affiliate with regional and continental academies of sciences as a reservoir of advice, strategic leadership, and expertise. African academies play an important role in supporting SDGs and STI Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024). In 2020, the Angola Academy of Science was launched followed by Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2021. The launch of the Academy of Sciences in Malawi will be followed by the Central African Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, and the Solomon Islands during 2021.

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The Launch of the Academy of Sciences in Malawi

mbuldys — Wed, 05 May 2021 17:21:00 +0000

Wednesday, 19 May 2021 - 8:45am

Registration

Please join us via Zoom: https://bit.ly/3ydAoFl

Objectives

The UN Technology Bank works to support the establishment and strengthening of Academies of Science capacities in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to play a critical role in advising governments on STI policy development and implementation to address socio-economic challenges and promote development.

In May 2021, the UN Technology Bank and The Network of African Science Academies teamed up to support the launch of the Academy of Sciences in Malawi.

The Academies of Science are important sources of current and emerging leaders in science, engineering and medicine, as well as advocates for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and can advise and help connect their respective government and research communities.

The Academy of Sciences in Malawi is an independent organization intended to promote science and engineering and strengthen their influence in Malawi. The academy will contribute to the implementation of the Malawi 2063 – strategic and development goals, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education's Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), National Planning Commission, and the National Commission of Science and Technology.

The objectives of the Academy are:

To promote excellence in scientific research conducted by scientists who are citizens of Malawi;
To promote contacts and collaboration among scientists who are citizens of Malawi; and between them and the wider global scientific fraternity;
To strengthen the global position and role of scientific research conducted by scientists who are citizens of Malawi;
To advise the government of Malawi on scientific aspects of social and economic issues and on all matters related to science teaching, research and science education;
To provide information on science to, and build support for science with, the general public in Malawi;

Speakers

Live interventions by distinguished speakers from the Government of Malawi, Ministry of Education, the Network of African Science Academies, and the National Commission for Science and Technology.

Hon. Agnes NyaLonje, Minister of Education
Mr. Joshua Setipa, Managing Director, UN Technology Bank for the LDCs
Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou, President of Network of African Academies
Prof. George Kanyama-Phiri, Vice Chancellor, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dr. Thomas Munthali, Director General, National Planning Commission
Prof. Elijah Wanda, Director General, National Commission for Science and Technology
Prof. Address Malata, Vice Chancellor, Malawi University of Science and Technology
Prof. Adamson Muula, Country Coordinator, CARTA and Coordinator for the African Center of Excellence in Herbal and Family Medicine, College of Medicine
Assoc. Prof. Chomora Mikeka, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Education
Dr. George Luwanda, Mzuzu University

Please note that the event time is: 19 May 2021 | 8:45 AM - 12:15 PM CAT

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The Launch of Congolese Academy of Science

mbuldys — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:42:00 +0000

Friday, 26 March 2021 - 2:30pm

In March 2021, the UN Technology Bank and The Network of African Science Academies teamed up to support the launch of the Congolese Academy of Science.

Background:

Since 2019, the Technology Bank has conducted five regional consultations, four in Africa and one in Asia, that brought together all LDCs and setting a path for informing the work programme. In the past years, UN Technology Bank has partnered with the Network of African Academies (NASAC) to support existing academies and establish ones where they do not exist. In 2020, UN Technology Bank supported Angola (launched in Dec 2020) and in March 2021 Lesotho. Additional countries planned for 2021 include, Malawi and Chad, Cambodia, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, and the Solomon Islands.

Speakers:

Live interventions by distinguished speakers from the government of The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Network of African Science Academies, and the Congolese Academy of Sciences.

H.E. Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mr. Joshua Setipa, Managing Director, UN Technology Bank for the LDCs
Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou, President of Network of African Academies
Prof. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, President of the Congolese Academy of Sciences
Prof. Joséphine Ntumba, University of Kinshasa

Register:

The session will be hosted both physically and virtually.

Please join us via Zoom at: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/1/g27xgcx

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UN Technology Bank and NASAC teamed up to support the launch of the Lesotho Academy of Science and Technology

mbuldys — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 14:43:00 +0000

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Rodger Bosch/FAO

Maseru/Gebze – UN Technology Bank and The Network of African Science Academies teamed up to support the launch of the Lesotho Academy of Science and Technology (LAST), which will play a critical role in advising on science, technology and innovation (STI) policy development and implementation to address socio-economic challenges and promote development in Lesotho. The LAST is an independent platform for contact and knowledge transfer among the private sector, public sector, civil society, academics, and government in the fields of science, technology, and innovation

Since the end of 2018, UN Technology Bank has directly implemented projects and activities in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) including establishing and supporting existing academies of sciences Academies of science promote the advancement of science and technology and provide governments with science-based policy advice.

The Lesotho Academy of Science and Technology will serve as the prime advisors of the government of Lesotho and the general public on matters pertaining to science, technology, and innovation. As an independent organization, the LAST will promote science and engineering and strengthen its influence in Lesotho. The major objectives of the Academy include providing linkages between academia and the industry and facilitating technological innovation and excellence in Lesotho.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, Prime Minister of Lesotho highlighted that “This science academy is going to adjudicate over disputes amongst the academia, in particular our local Scientists. As government, we pledge to support this academy in its cry for autonomy, how it elects its members and how it is led.”

The Academies of Science are also important sources of current and emerging leaders in science and advocates for STI, which can help connect their respective governments with research communities and reward outstanding contributors to STI.

“The key objective of the Technology Bank under this programme is to support Lesotho’s national technological efforts and support the reinforcement of partnerships across sectors and help Lesotho identify, access, adapt and deploy appropriate technologies to transform its economy and improve the livelihoods of Basotho,” said Joshua Setipa, Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank.

“Through the Lesotho Academy, NASAC hopes to build confidence in the lives and inspirations of the eminent scientists, who have taken the path least followed – to pursue youth towards careers in science,” emphasized Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou, President of Network of African Academies.

The LAST should affiliate with regional and continental academies of sciences as a reservoir of advice, strategic leadership, and expertise. African academies play an important role in supporting SDGs and Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024). In the first quarter of 2021, UN Technology Bank will support launching academies in Malawi, DRC, and Chad, followed by Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone. The sustainability of academies of sciences is of paramount importance to the Technology Bank, and will continue supporting existing academies to enhance their strategic planning, mobilise resources and increase the awareness about academies.

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UN Technology Bank and Network of African Science Academies launch the Angola Academy of Science to strengthen the capacity of science academies in African LDCs

mbuldys — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:21:00 +0000

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UN Technology Bank

Gebze – The UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries and The Network of African Science Academies partnered to strengthen and establish academies of sciences in African Least Developed Countries. Today, sees the launch of the Angola Academy of Science to support and advise the government in directing science and technology policies for the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The UN Technology Bank acknowledges that science academies play a critical role in advising governments on science, technology and innovation (STI) policy development and implementation in order to address socio-economic challenges and promote development in least developed countries.

"The Angola Academy of science will serve as a partner to the government of the Republic of Angola, private sector industry and the science, technology, and innovation community. The academy will also remain pivotal in directing STI policies that support the realization of the sustainable development goals in Angola” said Joshua Setipa, UN Technology Bank's Managing Director. "Academies constitute eminent scientists who are able to provide advice to policymakers that is independent, free of vested interests, subject to peer review and evidence-based."

President of the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Prof. Mahouton Norbert Hounkonnou, partner of the UN Technology Bank stated that "Prosperity in life and livelihoods is realized when science interfaces with policy and society. The people of Angola have undoubtedly embraced prosperity by the proclamation of the Angolan Academy of Science.”

The Angola Academy of Science will use appropriate communication portals to inform all relevant parties of recent STI developments around the country, thus benefiting both the economy and society. The Angola Academy of Science will benefit from capacity development activities and identify opportunities by collaborating and engaging with regional, continental and global networks of academies and champion, including through south-south collaboration between academies.

In his remarks, Dr. Bornito de Sousa Baltazar Diogo, Vice President of the Republic of Angola emphasized that “It is urgent to train Teacher 4.0 and School 4.0 where we will train the children of today who will build Angola in 2050 and the 4th Industrial Revolution, based on the country’s current reality.”

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