{"id":141983,"date":"2019-07-24T18:47:38","date_gmt":"2019-07-24T16:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/how-africas-science-academies-can-help-drive-sustainable-development-the-conversation\/"},"modified":"2019-07-24T18:47:38","modified_gmt":"2019-07-24T16:47:38","slug":"how-africas-science-academies-can-help-drive-sustainable-development-the-conversation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/how-africas-science-academies-can-help-drive-sustainable-development-the-conversation\/","title":{"rendered":"How Africa’s science academies can help drive sustainable development | The Conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"

How Africa’s science academies can help drive sustainable development<\/a>: <\/p>\n

Scientists and medical practitioners can help turn goals into reality, such as through vaccine programmes.<\/span> Rebecca Hall\/CDC\/CDC Connects<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many African countries have a long way to go to meet the sustainable development goals. These goals, set by the United Nations, call for all countries to develop their economies by 2030. This should happen sustainably and inclusively. At the same time, human rights and the environment must be protected.<\/p>\n

But most countries in Africa are lagging behind or even stagnating when it comes to realising these goals. One of the reasons for this is that countries are not using enough rigorous research or developing policies informed by accurate scientific evidence. <\/p>\n

This is a shortcoming that must be addressed. Policymakers, scientists and knowledge providers like science academies and research houses must work together to ensure that public policy is as fit-for-purpose as it can be.<\/p>\n

Evidence-informed policymaking is more important than ever. We\u2019re living in a world where opinion matters more than fact. In some countries, evidence and expertise are valued less than at any other time in history.<\/p>\n

With this in mind, a new report has been released that calls on African governments to invest in and apply science, engineering and medicine more systematically to try and address sustainable development issues. It also encourages the continent\u2019s science community to be more proactive in helping to accelerate Africa\u2019s development.<\/p>\n

The report was compiled by the InterAcademy Partnership. This is a global network of more than 140 academics of science, engineering and medicine. One of the report\u2019s key recommendations is that science academies have a crucial role to play in developing ways for scientists to engage more effectively with the African Union and United Nations at continental, regional and national levels.<\/p>\n

Key recommendations<\/h2>\n

Science academies represent some of their countries\u2019 best scientists. They also operate independently of governments. Academies collaborate on issues of local, regional and global importance: food security, climate change, health and water security. <\/p>\n

There are national academies of science in 27 African countries and young academies in 13 countries on the continent. Young academies cater for academics who are just starting their careers.<\/p>\n

In keeping with the report\u2019s focus on science academies, it was formally released this week at a workshop hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa that dealt with sustainable development goal 6: clean water and sanitation.<\/p>\n

These are the report\u2019s central recommendations:<\/p>\n