The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) will convene its 15th General Assembly and Scientific Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 9 to 12, 2024. Themed “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise,” the prestigious biannual event will bring together over 1,000 participants, including policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders from Africa and beyond, to shape the continent's scientific and technological future.
The AAS General Assembly will be held in West Africa for the first time. Speaking on behalf of AAS President Professor Lise Korsten, Professor Friday Okonofua highlighted the significance of the gathering in fostering scientific collaboration across Africa. "This event will unite key players from policy, science, and development sectors to discuss critical themes like health, climate change, science infrastructure, agriculture, the digital economy, and funding mechanisms," Okonofua stated during a press briefing.
In addition to discussions on these crucial topics, the event will feature the induction of new fellows into the Academy and the announcement of the recipient of the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Prize, which honours the achievements of Africa’s leading scientists. The conference aims to produce ten key recommendations to guide AAS in advancing scientific research and promoting partnerships across the continent.
Keynote speakers include Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will officially open the event, and Professor Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, who underscore the role of science and innovation in driving Africa’s economic growth.
The event’s broad scope covers essential areas such as health, climate change, science diplomacy, infrastructure for scientific advancement, and the digital and creative economies, all aimed at addressing the continent’s pressing challenges while highlighting the potential of science and technology to spur socioeconomic progress.
The conference reflects the AAS's 39-year commitment to promoting scientific excellence and collaboration across Africa and working with global partners to foster multidisciplinary solutions for sustainable development.
Article by RB Reporter
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