Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Summit

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion. 
 
It tackles global societal challenges, digitalization, climate change, and helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. 
 
The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports creating and better dispersing of excellent knowledge and technologies. 
 
It creates jobs, fully engages the EU’s talent pool, boosts economic growth, promotes industrial competitiveness and optimises investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area. 
 
Horizon Europe is open to the world. This means that participants from all over the world, regardless of their place of establishment or residence, can participate in most of the calls of Horizon Europe. African participants will be automatically funded, the EU will fund at least partly the participation of the international partners. 
We will explore the policies, the structure of the programme, and how to participate and where to find the information. 

NDICI is in the news with the announcement March 21, 2021 "This will be our most powerful tool to support a sustainable global recovery and promote comprehensive partnerships across the world that invest in democracy and human rights. With the instrument's financial arm- the EFSD+- we will have the means to increase the mobilisation of private investments towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals."
The EU offers Innovation Planning grants to assist  the governments of African countries to tap this powerful tool offered by the EU of almost 80 Billion Euros. Join this workshop to learn how to apply for the grants given the new integration between Horizon Europe and NDICI. A special focus of this workshop will be "Digital Building Blocks". When a country tries to innovate on its own, its a very hard and lonely journey, prone to set backs, discouraging obstacles and failure. When an African country joins with its neighbours to do digital transformation of government tools and services, and uses common building blocks, its more affordable and each country can share successes, learn from failures, while all are no longer on a lonely trek, but a joyful journey with good companions with the same goal: A better future for future generations. 

The Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) is the European Commission's primary source of results from the projects funded by the EU's framework programmes for research and innovation (FP1 to Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe).
Our mission is to bring research results to professionals in the field to foster open science, create innovative products and services and stimulate growth across Europe.
CORDIS has a rich and structured public repository with all project information held by the European Commission such as project factsheets, participants, reports, deliverables and links to open-access publications. CORDIS also produces its own range of publications and articles to make it easier for you to find relevant results that you can use in your domain.

The agenda will include presentations on the following:

• Presentation on the co-operation activities of the EPO in Africa;
• Presentation on the EPO study: European patents preferred tool for the commercialisation of inventions developed by public research organisations https://www.epo.org/news-events/press/releases/archive/2020/20201124.html 
• Presentation on Espacent as a tool for retrieving patent data to improve research proposals – Myself

This workshop has been designed to train researchers and research support services in writing professional and competitive proposals for Horizon Europe. The workshops analyses the relevance of  Horizon Europe to EU policies, the common problems in proposal writing and the success criteria for proposals. The course provides advice on how to collect information, select strategic partners and streamline proposal writing.
Contents

1. From European Union Policies to Horizon Europe Work Programmes
2. Profile of Successful Organisations in European Research Programmes
3. Strategic Networking at a European Level
4. How Horizon Europe Proposals are Evaluated
5. How to Streamline the Writing of Competitive Proposals

Roundtable on impacts of GDPR on EU-US science collaboration
This session will consider how emerging regulations in data protection, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics influence cooperation between Africa and the European Union.
The session will focus on the European General Data Protection regulation and its influence on the Global stage. Given that its scope already extends beyond the borders of the European Union, it is arguably becoming the template for global legislation.
Therefore, the session is designed to impart up-to-date information on the European Union's GDPR; to look specifically at related research collaboration between South Africa and African and the European Union and the impact of the GDPR on those research activities, in particular in the area of health. The meeting will also raise awareness of the emergence globally of data protection regulations and related future developments in South Africa and more generally in the continent of Africa.
The GDPR also addresses the transfer of personal data outside the EU, including to African nations. The GDPR aims to give control to individuals over their personal data, to ensure the free flow of personal data between Member States and to simplify the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation within the EU.
Because research involving human health, drug safety and clinical trials requires the processing of personal data, the GDPR has posed particular challenges to the research sector both within the EU and elsewhere.
As the “Africa Initiative” is an integral part of the first Work Programme for 2021-2022 of the recently adopted “Horizon Europe”, it is important to consider how African Nations address should compliance and prepare for future data protection regulations in Africa.

 
The meeting will bring together policy and research leadership from the EU and US. One relevant issue on the agenda will be the EU's data protection regulation, the GDPR. The objective will be to create a much-needed forum for discussion on the broader implications of this regulation on transatlantic science cooperation, at a time when the regulation is arguably becoming a template for similar legislation globally.

15h00             Declan Kirrane, Chairman, ISC, Belgium
15h05 Manuel Heitor, Science Minister, Portugal and chair of the Competitiveness Council during the Portuguese Council Presidency
15h15 Eva Kaili MEP Member of the European Parliament, Belgium
15h25 Didier Reynders European Commissioner for Justice, Belgium
15h30 Lydia Kline, National Institutes of Health, United States
15h40 Kurt Zatloukal Kurt Zatloukal Medical University Graz, Austria
15h50 Thomas Lyons, The American Society for Microbiology (ASM), United States
16h00 Rita Lawlor, University of Verona, Italy
16h10 Robin Frears, Federation of European Academies of Medicine, Brussels
16h20 Dario Gil, IBM Research, United States
16h30 David Brey, Atlantic Council, United States
16h40 Susan Veldsman, Academy of Science South Africa
16h45 Rahma Rachdi, Europe Correspondent, United States Press Agency
16h45 Discussion
17h00 Conclusion

ALLEA-EASAC-FEAM published a recent report:
https://easac.eu/fileadmin/PDF_s/reports_statements/Health_Data/International_Health_Data_Transfer_2021_web.pdf

Research funding has been identified in several instances as one of the key challenges that researchers in Africa have to overcome. Internal funding both from governments and corporates across Africa has remained conspicuously low and thus Universities and researchers across the continent need to look externally to source for such funding and other career development opportunities. This is despite the obvious linkage between research and economic development and also the prominence of knowledge as a key economic driver in the global economy.

The good news is, and in line with SDG 17, there are thousands of available funding opportunities relevant to Africa from grant-makers across the globe; both non-government and government players. During my presentation, I will share with you a digital platform we have developed that allows researchers and research managers based in Africa to easily identify funding calls from global funders relevant to their areas of research, saving them valuable time and frustrations that come with wild goose chase of funding calls when one really needs them.

I will also share our experience so far and a cross-sectional view of the research funding landscape in Africa, what we have learnt from the experiences and a glimpse of where we plan to go in support of knowledge generation in the continent of Africa

Our "Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Summit" is intended to enhance science and innovation cooperation between Africa and Europe and build on key policy and programme initiatives to establish a more enabling environment for science and innovation policy codesign, programme cooperation and capacity building.
AERAP is a response to the European Parliament Written Declaration 45 on Science Capacity Building in Africa. This call was repeated by the Heads of State of the African Union through their Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.407 CXVIII. AERAP encourages policymakers to understand the need for an enabling policy and regulatory environment for science cooperation with Africa and championing leadership in Africa and Europe to demonstrate science's contribution to society and address common glocal challenges.
The June 2021 Summit will draw on a range of processes, including AGENDA 2063, Africa's blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse; the AU Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024); the European Commission; Communication Towards a Comprehensive Strategy with Africa which foresees future cooperation built on five partnerships: green transition, digital transformation, growth and jobs, peace and governance and migration and mobility. All of these areas will rely on science and innovation cooperation.

Over the past decade, Africa's economic achievement created a new vibrancy on the continent, among the world's most rapidly growing economic regions - before the pandemic affecting economies globally. While momentum is widely recognised, longer-term growth depends on sustained investment in an innovative workforce to advance a knowledge economy. Investments in science and technology are attributed to more than half of the gains in gross national product among high-income countries and up to 85% of the gains in per capita income over the past several decades.

African nations are starting from a modest baseline in realising these potentials, representing 15% of the globe's population and 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP), yet just 1.3% of global investment in research and development (R&D). The scientific workforce deficits are acute: the continent possesses 198 researchers per million inhabitants (by comparison: Chile: 428; UK: 4000). Enrollment rates in tertiary education are low, 7.1%, compared to global average of 25.1%. African countries spend well less than the agreed African Union (AU) target to reach R&D investment of 1% of GDP.

However, there are compelling grounds for optimism as public and private sectors ramp up scientific investment in the coming years. Scientific innovation in Africa is on the rise, and momentum is building for new measures to strengthen and sustain the capacity of African universities and research institutions to become an effective force for economic growth and develop local solutions to development challenges. The STISA-2024, Agenda 2063, and the SDGs compacts all point to a commitment for action. Catalysing sustainable and effective change, however, calls for a unified vision of collaboration and development. The prime driver will be African governments investing in their future.

The timing truly is opportune. A new generation of African political leaders is technically trained. New private sector investments are fueling substantive R&D projects in Africa. Moreover, by 2034 the continent will possess the world's largest working-age population (1.1b), larger than that of either India or China – a potent "demographic dividend" and valued asset in an ageing world. An expanding working-age population is associated with strong rates of GDP growth. However, the challenge will be to ensure that its economies create enough skilled jobs for the many millions entering the workforce.

08h40            Declan Kirrane AERAP, Belgium and South Africa
08h45            Takalani Nemaungani AERAP, Belgium and South Africa
08h50            Mahama Ouedraogo African Union Commission, Ethiopia

Creating an enabling environment for Africa-Europe science and innovation cooperation
09h00            Jean Pierre Bourguignon President European Research Council
09h10             Manuel Heitor Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, Portugal
09h20            Phil Mjwara Director-General  Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa
09h30            Thomas Dermine Secretary of State for Science Policy, Belgium
09h40            Racey Muchilwa Country President and Head, Novartis Global Health Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa
09h55             Maria Cristina Russo Director for International Cooperation, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, Belgium

Science for our Societies and our Way of Life
10h05             Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director, Telecommunication Development International Telecommunication Union, Switzerland
10h15             Lora Borrisova Cabinet Commissioner Urpilainen, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium
10h25             Kurt Zatloukal, Medical University Gratz, Austria
10h35             Phil Diamond SKAO Director-General, United Kingdom
10h45             Michael Makanga Director, European Development Countries Clinical Trails Partnership (EDCTP)
10h55             Mirjana Povic Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI)
11h05              Juan Miguel González-Aranda LifeWatch ERIC Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services Research Infrastructure and ERIC Forum, Spain

Common Challenges: Working together with  Common Values for Common Responses
11h15              Sarah Anyang Agbor Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, African Union Commission, Ethiopia
11h20             Carlos Zorrinho MEP, Member of the European Parliament, Belgium
11h25              Gilles Bloch President, INSERM, France
11h35              Intisar Soghayroun Ministry of Higher education and Scientific Research, Sudan
11h45              Val Munsami South African National Space Agenc

This presentation will provide an overview of the “Africa Initiative”, integral part of the first Work Programme for 2021-2022 of the recently adopted “Horizon Europe”. With a budget of approximately 100 billion €, Horizon Europe is the world’s largest programme on research and innovation (R&I), and will be open to researchers and innovators from around the globe who are encouraged to liaise with European partners in preparing proposals.

Within this programme, the Africa Initiative represents the immediate outcome of the first ever European Union (EU) - African Union (AU) R&I Ministerial of July 2020, and falls within a comprehensive strategy that recognises R&I as instrumental to the development of resilient, knowledge-based societies and economies, as highlighted by the brand new Global Approach to R&I communication (adopted by the European Commission in May 2021). Accordingly, the Africa Initiative aims to strengthen the long-term cooperation between the two continents to enhance global public health, socio-economic development and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative will therefore focus on four thematic areas, responding to four joint EU-AU policy priorities, namely:
(i) Public Health;
(ii) Green Transition;
(iii) Innovation & Technology;
(iv) Capacities for Science.

For each of these themes, several calls for proposals are expected to be published in the near future, as soon as the Work Programme for Horizon Europe is adopted. Some examples of potential R&I areas to be covered by the calls will be illustrated during the talk.

Welcome - Declan Kirrane
Opening Keynote: 1400 CEST UK Minister of Science, Amanda Solloway
Panels:
Policy Engagement: Carla Sharpe, Lourdes Verdes Montenegro, Brenda Namumba
Africa Perspectives: Layih Butake, Pontsho Maruping
Instruments: Frauke Alves, Anna Fumarola
Co-Designing: Mirjana Povic, Gitanjali Sah, Lucie Abrahams
Legislation: Inez Sanchez, Aster Tsegaye
Introduction of Closing Keynote - Daan du Toit
Closing Keynote: 1700 CEST Editor in Chief of Nature Magdalena Skipper

Moderator: Mei Lin Fung

Women in Science must cross the chasm in the ScienceDigital Divide so that Scientific Research and Digital Innovations address the problems of most concern to us as humans: How can our children grow up safely? Can future generations be able to depend on our small blue marble planet as we have? How can people thrive and flourish by removing obstacles to economic and social opportunity? Leadership is needed and women everywhere are stepping up. Now we have to join forces to support each other's efforts. What are the policy instruments and decisions that will allow the world to harness the unstoppable energy and power of women?

This session will focus on the importance of co-designing science and innovation policies taking into account gender and diversity, in all of its aspects. It will highlight why we shall prioritize and support the engagement of women scientists in different associations, forums, their involvement in the whole co-designing policies process, and how that will improve science and technology developments for the benefit of our all society.

The session will stress the urgency of having clear policies focused on the improvement of the large gender gap in science that we are facing worldwide, and a need to bring clear measurements for improving the status of women and girls in science. Several initiatives and examples will be presented, including the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, the South African case study on women's contribution to science policy, and the African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA-AfAS). Finally, a list of recommendations will be given to help in co-designing science policies in the future to empower women and girls in science and help to achieve sustainable development goals.

The STI Agenda for Africa
The study intends to develop a perspective of the development of Science, Technology and Innovation as a lever for the economy, seen from the point of view of a policy agreed between African countries – Agenda 2063. In particular, the Science, Technology and Innovation development strategy included in Agenda 2063 comprises its first five years.

The aim of this first presentation is to present Agenda 2063 (and STISA-2024) so that international agendas can be aligned with the current one on the African Continent.

Genuity Science are pleased to convene this session focussed on research and policy priorities in the development of genomics and precision medicine as a driver of beneficial health outcomes for European and African citizens. The session will bring together leaders from government, industry, and healthcare to share practical examples of how genomics is being utilised as a tool to deliver benefits to citizens and to share practical learnings that arise when undertaking research collaborations between Europe and Africa.
Topics explored will include opportunities for advancement of the field of genomics by ensuring diversity in genome research, development of the bioeconomy in South Africa, advancement of paediatric cancer genomics in Tanzania, the application of genomics in understanding the biological drivers of mental illness and policy priorities for genomics development in Europe and Africa.

Contributors will include:
· Professor Owen Smith – Professor of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, and Chief Academic Lead to the Children's Hospital Group in Ireland.
· Dr Trish Scanlan – Consultant in Paediatric Oncology
· Professor Jonathan Bond - Professor of Paediatric Molecular Haemato-oncology, Systems Biology Ireland
· Dr Peter McCarthy – Clinical Fellow, Systems Biology Ireland
· Dr Mark Bale - Deputy Director, Genomics Policy, Science Research and Evidence Directorate, Department of Health & Social Care, UK
· Ben Durham – Chief Director: Bio innovation, Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa
· Professor Steven Kushner - Professor of Neurobiological Psychiatry, founding member of the ENCORE centre for neurodevelopmental disorders, and director of the Center for Population Neuroscience at Erasmus MC
 . Dr Monika Frenzel -  International Coordinator, ICPerMed/EU-Africa PerMed

Dear attendees,
Please see the link for this morning session, High Security Laboratory Responses to enable pandemic responses in Africa.

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82164784141?pwd=a3RRWkw0V0J4RldSMzVCR0E3WVNzQT09

Looking forward to seeing you there

We welcome you to the Science Digital Diplomacy session June 16, 9-11 am

The program will cover a range of approaches, case studies and future opportunities that diplomacy can unleash for the potential for the Europe and Africa collaboration in Science and Innovation


Digital Cooperation and Diplomacy will be needed to make sure we have one Internet, which continues to bring increasing benefits and includes guardrails to increase safety and prevent and reduce harms. The world has seen the benefits of being able to continue to operate online even when face to face activities are stopped due to the Covid Pandemic - so there is little dispute about whether to digitize. The question now is whether we can do so in a way that allows for participation by all, balancing how we, together can steward our planet, our people, preserving peace, propagating prosperity. In this Session, we will look at how using common digital building blocks, agreed to financial protocols can allow us to build resilient communities. By tracking digital footprints to finance communities, SME's and infrastructure - follow on lending and investment can be made conditional on advancing the UN SDG's and ongoing compliance to Clean IT and Carbon reduction principles.

Invited speeches (10 minutes each) will be followed by a Panel discussion

0900 Welcome - Mei Lin Fung
0905 Science Digital Diplomacy Europe: Rita Laranjinha - European External Action Service Managing Director
0915 Science Digital Diplomacy Africa case study - SKA: Daan Du Toit, Deputy Director General, South Africa Dept of Science and Innovation
0925 Open Science, Data Diplomacy: Rolf Apweiler, Director of EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute
0935 Global Digital Intelligence: A Case Study in Science Digital Diplomacy - Dr. Yuhyun Park, DQ Institute
0945 Sudan rejoins the Scientific Community: How Science Diplomacy can help - Zeinab Osman, Director General, Sudan National Center for Research
0950 A brief pause for 1 minute interventions from the audience
1000 Global Trade Logistics: A Case Study with implications for Digital Research - Marc Wesselink, VentureRock
1010 Meaningful Connectivity in Africa: The need for Science Digital Diplomacy - Andrew Rugege, ITU Development Director for Sub Saharan Africa
1020 Open Research in Africa - Lucienne Abrahams, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
1030 Data Utilities for SME Financing that drive Carbon reduction - Tamara Singh, Carbon Blue
1040 Panel Discussion
1100 Close

In the last two decades, astronomy and space science in Africa have developed rapidly, as evidenced through the winning of the bid to host, for the first time in Africa, the International Astronomical Union’s General Assembly (IAU-GA) in 2024. The IAU-GA is the largest international gathering of astronomers, held every three years by the IAU (the 100-year-old IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide). There are already numerous astronomy infrastructure projects, instruments and training programmes that are of interest to communities in both Africa and the EU, such as those in optical astronomy (SALT, MeerLicht, Oukaïmeden, Entoto, etc); radio astronomy (MeerKAT, SKA, JIVE, DARA, HartRAO, VLBI, etc); and gamma-ray astronomy (HESS and CTA). This special session offers an opportunity for interactions between existing and potential Africa-EU collaborators to stimulate and explore mutually beneficial opportunities that may arise specifically in the lead up towards the IAU-GA in 2024. Discussions around related science and outreach topics could potentially lead to Africa-EU collaborative flagship projects that would contribute to the legacy of the IAU-GA in 2024.
Topics will include

1. Bringing together African and EU Astronomical communities (networking);
2. Developing potential Africa-EU flagship projects in science and outreach;
3. Increasing African contributions to the science agenda of the IAU-GA 2024
4. Using the IAU-GA as a milestone to strengthen Africa-EU research collaborations through joint research projects, observations, MSc/Ph.D. student joint supervision, joint proposals, etc.
5. Identifying potential funding channels for activities leading up to and including the 2024 IAU GA;
6. Establishment of an Africa-EU Working Group for the IAU-GA in 2024

Programme:
09:00 – 09:05 Opening Remarks (Kevin Govender/Charles Takalana)
09:00 – 09:10 The African Astronomical Society (Jamal Mimouni)
The European Astronomical Society (Inma Dominguez)
09:10 – 09:25 Presentation and updates on the IAU-GA2024 (Vanessa McBride)
09:25 – 09:35 Science Plan and Flagships towards IAU-GA2024 (Bradley Frank)
09:35 – 09:45 Outreach Plan and Flagships towards IAU-GA2024 (Carolina Ödman)
09:45 – 09:55 EU collaborations for astronomy and science developments in Africa (Mirjana Pović)
09:55 – 10:05 Astrophysics and planetary science for development: lessons and perspectives with AFIPS (David Baratoux)

10:05 – 10:15 Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy DARA (Melvin Hoare)
10:15 – 10:45 Panel Discussion
Example Questions to be addressed

• How do we best address issues of flow of information between the
• Africa and EU astronomy community?
• What does Africa EU collaboration look like at present and what would we like to achieve by 2024?
• What are the Science and Outreach areas of collaboration that could have mutual benefits?
• What are existing funding instruments for Africa-EU collaboration?

Panelists:
- Jamal Mimouni
- Inma Domingue
- Melvin Hoare
- Vanessa McBride
- Bradley Frank
- Carolina Ödman
- David Baratoux
- Mirjana Pović
10:45 – 11:00 Africa-EU Working Group for the IAU-GA in 2024 (Kevin Govender)

Africa-EU Infrastructure for Geoscience (AEIG)

The “Africa-EU Infrastructure for Geoscience (AEIG)” initiative can provide a bridge between key policy objectives in Europe and Africa. This initiative has been constructed within the framework of the Africa-Europe Radio Astronomy Program (AERAP). The Africa-EU Infrastructure for Geoscience (AEIG) will provide:
• Human capital development including designated funding for the development of young women
geoscientists and young researchers.
• Synergies between African and European geological surveys and research consortia.
• Support for water security, agricultural sustainability, energy security, raw materials
availability especially with regards the critical minerals necessary for decarbonisation, the blue
economy, and community safety from geohazards including climate change and the Green Deal.
• Critical information for global, national region and local government policymakers, land-use
and natural resources management and regulators;
• Digital and sensor infrastructure for geo-and related sciences.

The European Commission’s Africa Strategy calls for partnerships to achieve common goals is in line
with UN SDG 17, “partnerships for the goals” and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for socio-economic
transformation. The foundation for this strong and enduring partnership needs to be rooted in our
shared Earth, informed by the knowledge of what science and technology can bring. Geoscience is
required to justly achieve the green transition and the digital transformation while delivering the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals for our planet home.

Viable solutions to ensure carbon neutrality in Europe by 2050 must be based on accurate, reliable
Earth-related data. Strategically collecting the vast amounts of necessary data will involve developing
and constructing cutting-edge analytical platforms and ICT infrastructure. It will also require a step-
change to empower African and European citizens to engage in citizen projects throughout our two
continents. The production of young new geoscientists, particularly women, with data analysis and
management skills together with an engaged public will accelerate sustainable growth, create new jobs,
and provides the promise of more virtual mobility through the availability of the new data.
Beyond the direct data and related societally important knowledge gained an AU-EU geoscience
partnership would also yield exciting new insights in fields such as geodesy and geodynamics and is
likely to influence existing fundamental scientific paradigms in myriad other fields from astronomy to
zoology.

An AU-EU partnership in geoscience can be leveraged through the expansion of the existing cooperation
between the Organization of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) and the European Geological Surveys
(EGS) such as PanAfGeo which has been ongoing since 2016. iCRAG, which is a large multi-institution
the research group working across the full spectrum of earth science and sustainability topics in both
Europe and Africa is ideally placed and actively seeking to aid in ensuring an AU-EU partnership
delivers on goals critical to addressing the primary challenges outlined in the European Commission’s
comprehensive strategy with Africa.

Our session aims to be interactive -- we encourage your perspectives and questions!

• Welcome Remarks Professor Paul Ross, Director APC Microbiome Ireland
• Role of Science and Higher Education to improve health, food systems and prosperity. H.E Intisar El-Zein Soughayroun. Minister for Higher Education & Scientific Research, Sudan.
• Value of EU and Sudanese interdisciplinary Research and Innovation Cooperation. Professor Imad Elimairi. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, African Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Association [Video]
• Case Study: EU investment in Science Research in Sudan & Microbe role in Africa – Amel Sami, Lecturer, National Ribat University. Khartoum, Sudan.
• Microbiome & Global Challenges and Sustainble Development Goals – Professor Paul O’Toole. Head of Microbiology. University College Cork. Ireland
• Urbanisation and economic disadvantage influences early life immune imprinting - Dr. Nonhlanhla Lunjani, University of Cape Town
• Harnessing African Biodiversity to leapfrog innovation. Dr. Thulani Makhalanyane. Deputy Director Centre for Microbial Ecology & Genomics. University of Pretoria
• African Fermented Food Microbiomes– Professor Paul Cotter. Head of Food Biosciences Department, Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc)
• Interactive discussion

Moderator: Saba Loftus, Sustainability and EU Grants Manager. APC Microbiome Ireland.
Rapporteur: Victoria Spillane, APC Microbiome Ireland.

This event will convene scientists, business leaders and policy makers from Africa and Europe to discuss taking science solutions from the lab (or research level) to the end users (such as consumers, regulators and food producers).

Follow us on Twitter: @Pharmabiotic #SummitDialogue #WorldMicrobiomeDay

REGISTER ASAP HERE

As part of the Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Summit, APC Microbiome Ireland are convening a UN Food Systems Dialogue discussing the interface of food and health. Attention has grown in recent years to the role of microbiome and biotechnology research in achieving societal challenges, specifically the SDGs. The microbiomes are the predominant form of life on the planet, in both numbers and total biomass. They can be found in and on the human body, on land and sea – even within the most hostile environments incompatible with most forms of life. It is increasingly apparent that microbes provide ecosystems services that are crucial to local and global sustainability.  Societies worldwide face unprecedented challenges that threaten the future of human life as well as the planet’s ecosystems. The ‘Global Challenges’ include biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, climate change, energy demands, population growth.

SKAO: Enabling Global Science through Radio Astronomy

Building on decades of preparatory work, the SKA Observatory (SKAO) was established earlier in 2021 as the intergovernmental organisation responsible for delivering the two radio telescope infrastructures, in Africa and Australia that comprise the Square Kilometre Array. With a membership of States and partners that spans the globe, the SKAO is unique, tackling unprecedented science challenges, whilst fostering a new paradigm of collaboration and sustainable, inclusive impact across its footprint.

We intend that construction activities for the SKA will begin later this year, with full scientific operation towards the end of this decade. However, the impact of SKAO is already evident, through its own initiatives and those of its partners, pathfinder facilities and collaborators. This session will take stock of the current scientific preparations, focusing on the collaboration globally, and then focussing on that with Africa. We will look at the importance of data, as a challenge in itself and then as an opportunity for social impact. Then finally, in these difficult times, we will look at a specific case study, where investment in radio astronomy has been key to a direct and life-saving response to the global COVID pandemic.

Programme (time is UT)

0900 Welcome words and introduction of the topic – Dr Simon Berry
0905 Science prospects with the SKA, including highlights from SKA pathfinders and precursors – Dr Anna Bonaldi
0920 Case study: EVN as a great scientific tool to strengthen collaboration, train people, develop skills and technologies – Dr Cristina Garcia-Miro
0935 Case study: the Trans-European LOFAR; connecting Europe to northern Africa through radio astronomy – Dr George Miley
0950 SKA Science Data Challenges: preparing the community for a new era in astronomy – Dr Philippa Hartley
1005 Developing the next generation of data scientists in South Africa – Dr Carolina Odman-Govender
1020 Beyond the science: socio-economic impact and sustainability; the SKAO case study – William Garnier
1035 From radio astronomy to the fight against Covid-19: a case study of the SARAO ventilators – Dr Adrian Tiplady
1050 Questions…
1058 Wrap up and closing remarks – Dr Simon Berry

Open Science may seem like a “new" approach to Science, but in fact it is a fundamental principle of the Scientific Method, which was established in the 17th Century. The ability of Open Science to enhance scientific collaboration and knowledge interchange in a transparent way has put it in the spotlight in this era of Big Data and data intensive research. However, Open Science is not only an indispensable element of high-quality science: it comes with a wider impact in other areas.

In this talk we will show how Open Science encourages the democratisation of science, accelerates the transfer of knowledge to society, promotes equity and inclusiveness, as well as other actions that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Furthermore, we will emphasise how it is key in maximising the scientific impact of the SKA Observatory: the SKA is a Big data infrastructure with a multidisciplinary worldwide community of users who have already started collaborating to prepare for the challenge, whose core will be at the SKA Regional Centres, where SKA science will be carried out.

We will also describe the existing barriers to embrace Open Science and the FAIR principles as seen from individual scientists, data centres, KSP teams, publishers or even funding agencies, and how the community building the SRCs is addressing these challenges. The effort seems worthwhile, both for better science and to maximise social impact. We will argue that for the SKAO, adoption of Open Science is both a need and a duty, and we will show that the SKAO and its community are already flying this flag.

Digital technologies are indispensable to achieving sustainable development goals and reducing carbon emissions in many sectors. Yet, computer systems themselves have an immense energy requirement for their countless devices, data centers, applications and global networks. With Covid-19 the shift to digital in living, learning and earning is bringing us closer to the time when digitization will become the climate hazard No. 1. Since digitization has many important benefits, we must prioritize research policy to: design digitization processes that consume less energy; increase algorithmic efficiency and effectiveness so that people and the planet thrive; and make “Sustainability by Design” the new paradigm in digital engineering worldwide.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) presents new opportunities for developing nations to fully participate and compete in a global digital economy. The Covid-19 pandemic has, however, accelerated this transition into a digital world forcing economic sectors to adapt conventional methods by providing digital solutions. This digitisation has been seen across sectors ranging from education and training, health, manufacturing and many more, while in parallel supporting the possibility of achieving global sustainability goals through this advanced digitisation. To respond to the rapid digitisation of many sectors, regional policies within Africa and the EU have been formulated to take on the skills revolution required by the 4IR, especially in a post-Covid recovery world.

The African continent requires a skills agenda that empowers its growing youth population at all levels of eduction to address the consistent unemployment challenges facing the continent. The skills agenda has become a priority in regional economic recovery strategies for the continent given the increased youth unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The opportunities presented by new and emerging skills needed for the 4IR, represents an opportunity for African youth to actively participate in a knowledge economy in creating jobs of the future, which can allow Africa to fully participate in the global digital economy.

This session will be hosted in celebration of Africa’s youth as part of South Africa’s Youth Day on 16 June. The session will showcase existing Africa-EU partnerships in emerging skills development areas in sectors of astronomy, agriculture, manufacturing and health, as well as overarching skills that are multidisciplinary. We will also explore the empowerment of Africa’s youth through training programmes offering widespread digitisation skills in developing a digital society on the continent. Through the discussions, we intend to identify Africa-EU partnerships that can advance Africa’s transition into the 4IR by equipping its youth with skills that are relevant in building a more prosperous and thriving Africa of the future.   
 

The main overarching theme of the Horizon Europe Strategy and Africa 2063 Agenda set by the African Union - smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and development – designs the framework for a successful Africa and Europe cooperation under challenging economic, social and environmental conditions.  The common main aims of these Agendas is to develop an economy based on knowledge and innovation, contributing to welfare creation, peace and collective prosperity.   
This common framework has seen the tremendous technological challenge posed by COVID pandemics and has accelerated the usage and societal penetration of Information and Computing technologies (ICT).  As the UN Secretary-General Roadmap for Digital Cooperation emphasizes, digital technologies do help to confront the threat and keep people connected. Supercomputers are essential to analyze thousands of drug compounds to identify candidates for treatments and vaccines. E-commerce platforms prioritized household staples and medical supplies, while videoconferencing platforms enabled education and economic activity to continue.  To this end, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and enablers like enhanced connectivity and digital infrastructures, 5G roll-out corridors can provide a smart cross-fertilization ground addressing key societal challenges and policies.

The Strategic Forum for International cooperation in STI (SFIC) is an advisory body for the council and the EC with all Member States, Associated Countries and the EC being members of the group. The forum develops recommendations and opinions to current international cooperation topics ans strategic papers and organizes it´s thematic work in Task Forces and working Groups. One of those groups is devoted to the EU and MS collaboration with Africa and the Chair of SFIc will report on the current activities of the group and results of their work.

Space technology, data and services tackle some of the most pressing challenges, such as fighting climate change, helping to stimulate technological innovation, and providing socio-economic benefits to citizens. Its potential in supporting the European Commission Green Deal and digital transformation is undoubted. The importance of fostering innovation in space applications and services across countries and continents is widely acknowledged as well.

The EU’s relationship with Africa has been recognised as a key priority for the European Commission. The field of Space and space applications represent an enormous potential for cooperation between Europe and Africa. In particular, space research and all related activities have outstanding capacity to enable new skills development and human capital development in Africa: laying the foundation for an innovation driven economy to support economic well-being on the continent. In the past, the focus on R&D has been on the development of space assets. In the meantime, the EU Space programme has not only been established, but both the Copernicus Sentinel and the Galileo constellations deliver continuous data and services, that have started changing the way we live on this planet. Therefore a co-designed strategy and research agendas for the creation of innovative space applications in close collaboration between Europe and Africa will be necessary. The commencement of Horizon Europe and the NDICI programme is an unique opportunity to advance the EU's cooperation with Africa and its’ agenda 2030.

This session gathers prominent speakers from Africa and Europe, sharing their take on how space applications can foster a dynamic cooperation between both continents across different sectors. At the European side, the establishment of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), expected to link space to user needs, could be seen as a logical step towards increasing engagement with Africa in this field. The already strong policy dialogue in many space-related fields shall be continued and further developed, ensuring further alignment. The international research cooperation between Europe's and Africa's needs a strategic approach to space so that the combined efforts and assets can reach the common goals. In that respect, research cooperation shall advance the idea of synergies between Horizon Europe and NDICI. The NDICI programme has enormous potential to deliver key policy objectives in Africa and with Africa. Space must be part of this narrative and we need to work together to identify specific measures and initiatives.
The next EU-Africa Summit will take place during the French Council Presidency early in 2022. This triannual meeting is a unique opportunity to set new agendas and space to be part of this dialogue.
In the course of this session, we will look for the answers of these and many other related questions:

• How can Europe and Africa collaborate to advance the SDGs together?
• What measures should be taken to ensure that research and development is increasingly part of the shared by both continents space agenda?

Science (IPBES and IPCC) and Policy (the global post-2020 biodiversity framework and the EU Biodiversity Strategy) clearly underline that biodiversity loss can only be successfully addressed if transformative changes will be initiated, accelerated, and up-scaled. There is however hardly any knowledge on potentials and challenges arising from transitions focused on biodiversity. System-level change of this kind starts through social innovation, for example, regulations, incentives, local and participatory processes, and through the introduction of new technologies, new processes of production, or consumer products, which change how socio-technical and socio-ecological systems operate and impact their environment. Such transformative change must decrease the impacts of indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, which are in turn, underpinned by societal values and behaviours. Indirect drivers of biodiversity loss are understood here as: Production and consumption patterns, human population dynamics and trends (including their footprints), trade, technological innovations, local to global governance (including financing). Research and innovation can enable these transformative changes to happen and initiate processes, behaviour changes and actions which are transforming the way we impact biodiversity. Socio-economic and multidisciplinary research, including on the role of education, will develop knowledge and tools to understand the role of transformative change for biodiversity policy making, address the indirect drivers for biodiversity loss, and accelerate biodiversity-relevant transformative changes in our society.
Cooperation between Africa and Europe will promote knowledge and practices exchange as required to attain regional and global policies, specifically the ones directly on actions towards halting biodiversity loss is a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 15) but also to other SDGs strongly linked to it. Keeping ecosystems resilient and safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity is fundamental to poverty eradication, human health and wellbeing. Biodiversity is essential not only to the proper functioning of Earth systems, it is also key to the delivery of ecosystem services that are crucial to human dignity and wellbeing.These biodiversity-dependant ecosystem services include the provision of potable water, food and fibres, soil fertility, maintenance of the genetic databank of biodiversity, climate regulation, and recreational and aesthetic values among others. Biodiversity and cultural diversity are intricately linked. A diverse world gives us the flexibility to adapt to change, including climate change. Biodiversity therefore underpins most SDGs and its loss constitutes a threat to both security and peace and shall be a central point of cooperation among Africa and Europe.

 

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As the European Commission recolonizes the endorsement by the European Parliament and the Council the political agreement on the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – ‘Global Europe' for the next MFF period (2021-2027). This instrument will support the EU's external action with an overall budget of €79.5 billion in current prices. This instrument also strengthens the EU's external action and enables them to be a leading global player and a reliable partner in the international scene, supporting our multilateral agenda. It gives them the flexibility needed to respond faster and in a more coherent way to ongoing and emerging global challenges, while supporting global priorities such as peace and stability, good governance, trade and inclusive and sustainable growth.

Based on ongoing discussion this paper is trying to spell out an initiative for Africa development agenda rely on NDICI programmes which will focus on the sugar cane model and the successful stories in some African countries. The sugar cane model that leads to sustainable and unique integrated development agenda in terms of regional local developments indicators. Hence the agenda will focuses on up scaling such developmental programmes to contribute on food security, sustainably and human capital build up including minimal displacement and immigrations abroad. The example of private sector in some African countries as a key successful stories will be highlighted and based on that the programmes in food and energy will be proposed. The role of the different stakeholders will be listed and proposed mechanisms for implementations will clearly anticipated.

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Clinical trials and product focused implementation research are essential components of health research. When integrated with health systems, they are key instruments for the development of effective diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies, as well as their implementation in the real life environment. Regional differences in terms of disease burden, population demographics, genetic differences, socio-economic factors and health systems may result in different health priorities, clinical research and capacity needs. Establishing a robust clinical research infrastructure is a highly important development step to address region-specific health challenges faced within particular health systems.

The COVID-19 crisis starkly revealed gaps in global preparedness and accelerated concerted international collaboration at all levels. The development of vaccines has been exceptional by any known standards drawing on decades of cutting-edge science, technology & innovation (STI), in many cases publicly funded but blended with excellent private sector execution. Despite the exceptional performance, access remains a key issue and cross-border ethics and regulatory hurdles, quality sample, data collection and sharing mechanisms need to be streamlined. Governments should capitalize on the momentum from the response to COVID-19 to coordinate efforts by all stakeholders, including private actors as well as development banks, and provide sustainable governance and funding mechanisms for tackling global health challenges.
This session on building coordinated research infrastructures for clinical research, co-chaired by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN), brings together key global health actors to collectively discuss lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the next steps towards the comprehensive mobilization of all stakeholders for building sustainable clinical research preparedness and response capacities. 
____________ 
The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) is a public–public partnership between 14 European and 16 African countries, supported by the European Union. EDCTP’s vision is to reduce the individual, social and economic burden of poverty-related infectious diseases affecting sub-Saharan Africa. EDCTP’s mission is to accelerate the development of new or improved medicinal products for the identification, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, including emerging and re-emerging diseases, through pre- and post-registration clinical studies, with emphasis on phase II and III clinical trials. EDCTP’s approach integrates conduct of research with development of African clinical research capacity and networking.

The European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN-ERIC) is a not-for-profit intergovernmental organisation that supports the conduct of multinational clinical trials in Europe. ECRIN works with national networks of clinical trial units (CTUs), as well as numerous European and international stakeholders involved in clinical research. ECRIN is also a founding member of the Clinical Research Initiative for Global Health (CRIGH) which brings together more than 40 member and observer institutions across the globe to establish a framework for international cooperation in non-commercial clinical trials and to promote evidence-based medicine through various activities focused on infrastructure and funding, global core competencies, research ethics, patient involvement, comparative effectiveness research and socio-economic impact, and data management and sharing.

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86110301151?pwd=Mk4zUVVWaGMvSU5memIvanB3L0pRZz09

The UBORA e-platform: collaborative design of safe, certifiable medical devices for health equity
Arti Ahluwalia, Carmelo De Maria,  Andres Diaz Lantada, Philippa Makabore, June Madete, Mannan Mridha, Janno Torop, Licia Di Pietro.
 
UBORA is an e-platform for the co-design of open source medical devices, which promotes compliance with internationally recognized quality standards and regulations for safety and efficacy. The platform guides users through a systematic design process, from the identification of clinical needs, of risks class and relevant standards for the device, and provides project management tools, including a repository, finalized to the preparation of the pre-production device dossier. The process is supervised by expert mentors, who ensure that safety and efficacy criteria are fulfilled. UBORA’s mission is in line with the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting and strengthening the initiatives of an international community of designers, healthcare providers and policy-makers, towards the reduction of inequalities in the access to quality medical devices and healthcare. We will describe the platform, its tools and structure and discuss examples of successful and ongoing projects.

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83969276243?pwd=RjZxNEVZMlB4emxHWVV6UEZhdlJpdz09

Innovation, specially social and grass root innovation, is key to address SDGs and development challenges both in Europe and Africa. Policymakers understand the need for an enabling policy and regulatory environment for innovation and championing leadership in Africa and Europe to demonstrate science and innovation contribution to society and address common glocal challenges. The AGENDA 2063, the Africa's blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse; the AU Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024) recognize this. However, the co-design of effective policies and policy instruments to enable a broader understanding of innovation, not only as an engine for economic growth, but also as a driver for societal well-being and environmental sustainability is not evident (UNESCO, 2019). In order to achieve SDG´s ( SDG 8 employment and decent jobs-in particular) and benefit from the flexible and holistic value system of the very young African region, interdisciplinary , inclusive research and education is key towards social innovation, knowledge co-production and transfer need to be better supported.
In addition to suffering from a lack of proper coordination geared towards improved and sustainable outcomes, STI policy implementation is beset by weak intersectoral linkages, limited opportunities for business-level technology absorption and limited sharing of STI learning across the sectors and are lacking not only an in-depth view of sustainability and inclusion challenges, but also specific and effective implementation measures, and funding. Resource gaps, both human and financial, are recognizedas key challenges constraining the ability of nationalinnovation systems to address sustainability problems ina comprehensive way.
Youth and women ( rural and gender in particular) unemployment or underemployment are big barriers for Sustainable development. In essence, this deals with finding mechanisms to inter alia enable exchange and interaction between more codified, science-based innovative activity in the formal sector and demand-driven, experiential innovation in the informal sector, leveraging and upgrading technological capabilities in the informal sector, and developing a supportive overall framework.To promote more collaboration between universities and industry  various policy options are recommended, among them providing incentives for research projects that bring together consortia of businesses and universities through grants and tax incentives, strengthening the intellectual property rights regime, and creating and supporting technology transfer offices in universities (Boloet al.,2015; Guimón, 2013). A complementary strategy would involve supporting bottom-up innovation. Although some sectoral policies in Africa acknowledge the role of indigenous knowledge and grassroots initiatives, the strategies systematically neglect bottom-up initiatives as a site of innovation for sustainable development.
Key note speakers will discuss on personal experiences in transfering knowledge and promoting sustainable innovation in the region and with Europe as to extract lessons to increase innovation capacities and support innovation processess.
References:

UNESCO. 2019. Co-Designing Science in Africa: First steps in assessing the sustainability science approach on the ground. C. Aguirre-Bastos, J. Chaves-Chaparro and S. Aricò, eds Paris, UNESCO. Open Access here: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000368900.locale=en
Guimón, J. 2013. Promoting University-Industry Collaboration in Developing Countries (Policy Brief). Innovation Policy Platform, OECD and World Bank.

Please find the online session link here
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86769303511?pwd=c09MYkQ5aHMyVG1Xai9uSjJTaXpyQT09

The EU-Africa Research and Innovation Partnership on food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture (HLPD FNSSA) is currently pursuing a ten-year roadmap (2016-2026) with four priorities: (1) Sustainable intensification; (2) Agriculture and food systems for nutrition; (3) Expansion and improvement of agricultural trade and markets; and (4) A group of cross-cutting topics. The overall goal is to achieve agri-food systems that are more sustainable, deliver better nutrition, avoid undernutrition and obesity, reduce food losses and waste, adapt to and mitigate climate change, and create jobs for young people through place-based innovations, in both rural areas and in cities. How these challenges can be tackled and long-term improvements be achieved? The key factors for successful long-term agri-food transformation, with support of Research and Innovations are investments, cooperation and digital technologies. The actions on investments should target public-private partnership in R&I, better regulations and right incentives can provide benefits to the private sector, including place-based solutions and scaling-up opportunities as well as fostering local food markets and the export of high quality food products for income generation.

Establishment of a post-COVID-19 resilient cooperation in R&I should include a better forecast on food environment, food culture and household food choices which support healthy nutrition choices, and improved linkages between agri-food innovators and development cooperation EU/African Union (AU) Member States initiatives. It should be highlighted that the R&I support to the implementation of the FNSSA partnership under Horizon Europe will continue to help address priority areas to achieve food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture. Successful European models such as agri-food Living labs and Smart villages, which employ new digital technologies to local regional ecosystems, could serve as toolbox that should be replicated and adapted to the African conditions.

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83918418002?pwd=N0JiakNZU2dnR3JyZXkwN1lnbC9qUT09

Abstract - The European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and water Column Observatory (EMSO, www.emso.eu) is a distributed research infrastructure (RI), composed of fourteen fixed-point deep-sea observatories and shallow water test sites at strategic environmental locations around from the southern entrance of the Arctic Ocean all the way through the North Atlantic through the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. Working as a single powerful system, it is a valuable new tool for a variety of stakeholders from scientist and engineers to industry, policy makers and society in general. The objective is looking for multiple ocean variables of high-quality and high-resolution data to study and continuously monitor complex processes interactions among the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, as well as to test, validate and demonstrate new marine technologies. In particular in the Mediterranean Sea, it is important to include observations and knowledge of the entire North African margin, to understand the dynamic processes and ocean circulation that affect the entire Mediterranean basin.

Issues of environmental concern such as sea level rise, ocean warming and acidification are valuable indicators for perceiving continuous global change. In addition, pollution by anthropogenic activities, the proliferation of toxic algae and the harmful contamination of millions of tons of plastic waste in the sea, marine acoustic noise are important challenges within the marine environment. EMSO ERIC aims to monitor different oceanic variables that allow a better understanding and dissemination of these environmental processes in all the seas surrounding Europe, with special significance in the Mediterranean basin. EMSO ERIC, provides a series of services for the knowledge and information of the oceans that include science, technological development, data management, communication, education, innovation and industry of the highest quality, which provides valuable social benefits promoting innovative jobs, and technological development supporting the blue economy for sustainable growth
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This paper benefits from EC projects EMSO-link (Ref. 731036) and ENVRI-FAIR (Ref. 8249068)

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89221632342?pwd=VDZnR1lyOTlzSzJBM0JGemVQU1A2Zz09

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85150107089?pwd=SjMxNGVyVlZWTnFxRlBLdDRnSmtPUT09

Open Education is an important arena post covid as economies and society work to build back better. Initiatives are beginning around the world and this panel brings together efforts including Teach Millions (https://teachmillions.org), 3CL Foundation and the Open HPI platform.

Our speakers will be in the following order:


1300 Welcome - Mei Lin Fung
1305 William Mawalla, AERAP Founder
1320 Thomas Staubitz, Open HPI
1335 Mikkel Frich Ed from Edtech Denmark to Teach Millions
1350 Peter Fagerstrom Teach Millions - Finland, Europe, Africa
1405 Alex Grech, 3CL Foundation
1425 Open Panel Discussion moderated by Mei Lin Fung
1450 Final observations from Participants and Panelists
1500 Close

About Open HPI
The first online course on the Hasso Plattner Institute’s new learning platform was published online in September 2012.
The success convinced others.
In 2013, Software company SAP (openSAP) and, in 2016, the World Health Organization (OpenWHO) partnered with us and adapted the course concept on their own platform instances.
Since 2020, several more plattform instances have been added to accommodate the need of other partners such as the publicly funded research projects AI-Campus and eGov-Campus.
By now, we have passed 11 million enrollments in total. Particluarly, the numbers on the OpenWHO platform have increased significantly in a very short time frame during the beginning of the pandemic.

Please find the online session link here
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83507469628?pwd=Y1h1WkhCd0Zaay8yTW94TzkrNmJ4Zz09

Speakers

Declan Kirrane
Eva Kaili MEP, European Parliament
Daan du Toit Deputy Director-General, Dept of Science and Innovation, South Africa
Mahama Ouedraogo African Union Commission, Ethiopia
Mei Lin Fung MIT, USA
Paul Ruebig European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT)

Please find the online session link here
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89989365492?pwd=dDlFY3lYNHdXUlZkTVJtZDBUckhSQT09

Standards - Supporting innovation in Africa - How do standards foster innovation and economic prosperity?
Standards serve as a catalyst for innovation and help in anchoring solutions more quickly on the market. In today’s networked world clearly defined interfaces and compatibility between individual components and systems is now more important than ever. Standards are the global language of technology, reduce technical trade barriers and facilitate the free movement of goods. Standards open doors to promote exports.  
The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) commenced 1st January 2021, signalling the creation of the African single market of 55 nations, defining the rules to operate.  The AfCFTA Agreement is the catalyst for the harmonization of standards and a quality infrastructure (QI) framework for the African continent.  The AfCFTA will seek to implement the Africa Quality Policy – to realise one test- one standard – one certificate and will strengthen the Pan African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI) network.

Join this panel discussion to hear how standards foster innovation and economic prosperity, from the perspectives of:

• the WTO, 
• the African Union Commission, 
• the European Commission, 
• Regional standards bodies CEN-CENELEC and ARSO; and 
• industry using cybersecurity standards across global value chains.

Moderated by the European Centre for Development Policy Management

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This presentation will provide a successful example of a multi-stakeholder partnership initiative launched by civil society with the aim to increase the skills and leadership of postdoctoral African women scientists.
 
The program is called Science by Women and is being promoted since 2014 by Women for Africa Foundation, a Madrid-based private foundation whose mission is to contribute to the development of Africa through the drive of its women in several fields, and, among them, in STI and research. 
 
In recent years, many countries have approved national policies aimed at reaching  gender equality by increasing women’s participation in   STEM careers.  
 
Also, on a global and international level, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development launched a Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM) with the aim to support the Sustainable Development Goals. Member States agreed that it would be based on a multi-stakeholder collaboration between Member States, civil society, the private sector, the scientific community, United Nations entities and other stakeholders. 
 
Nevertheless, in spite of policy recommendations and international consensus, specific support and funding to civil society organisations committed with and advocating for the advancement of STIs and the participation of female scientists specially from least developed countries, have been scarce. 
 
The programme Science by Women has been born by a civil society organisation and has managed to enhance international scientific cooperation between Africa and Spain and to promote African women’s leadership in scientific research and technology transfer.  So far more than 100 female postdoctoral female scientists have been selected to carry out their projects in the best research centres in Spain. Science by Women is a successful example of how policies including a major commitment with and a strengthened partnership with CSOs can be effective in enhancing science and innovation cooperation between Africa and Europe. 

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85016912068?pwd=aklwNTZkMUt2UzZrWjRGY3l5ZzFTUT09


If Africa and Europe want to meet their sustainability objectives in time, the game needs to change. This would be the purpose of the proposed Africa-EU Blockchain Partnership. The digital age brings about “disruptors” and “game changers” which themselves give rise to “innovations” in particular in terms of transparency and trust, efficient use of public funds and contracts management. There are numerous reports showing the benefits that can be gained by States, both donors and recipients, business, civil society.: GIZ, FAO, BiP, WEF, WTO, UNCTAD etc. and initiatives as from OECD, KfW, PositiveBlockchain, Blockchain for Good. An Africa-EU Blockchain Partnership would be a source of many innovations in supply chains as food, textile, minerals. It would open new avenues to secure funding for biodiversity This initiative should also be seen in relation with the UN Convention on Corruption, the role of Commodity Traders of strategic natural resources (oil, metals, grains) , Human Rights and modern slavery. “Impact Investing”, “Inclusive Capitalism”, “Inclusive and Sustainable Finance” initiatives.
Such Africa-EU Blockchain Partnership agreement would be the first international partnership of a new generation in the digital age , the type of which the IFC is looking for , where technology is used to foster ethical and equitable advancement, build trust and mutual understanding to address disparities and promote public good, transform society to become more just, prosperous and resilient1.

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This session will consider how emerging regulations in data protection, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics influence cooperation between Africa and the European Union. The session will focus on the European General Data Protection regulation and its influence on the Global stage. Given that its scope already extends beyond the borders of the European Union, it is arguably becoming the template for global legislation. Therefore, this session is designed to impart up-to-date information on the European Union's GDPR; to look specifically at related research collaboration between South Africa and African and the European Union and the impact of the GDPR on those research activities, in particular in the area of health. The meeting will also raise awareness of the emergence globally of data protection regulations and related future developments in South Africa and more generally in the continent of Africa.
The GDPR also addresses the transfer of personal data outside the EU, including to African nations. The GDPR aims to give control to individuals over their personal data, to ensure the free flow of personal data between Member States and to simplify the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation within the EU. Because research involving human health, drug safety and clinical trials requires the processing of personal data, the GDPR has posed particular challenges to the research sector both within the EU and elsewhere. As the “Africa Initiative” is an integral part of the first Work Programme for 2021-2022 of the recently adopted “Horizon Europe”, it is important to consider how African Nations address compliance and prepare for future data protection regulation in Africa.

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83093601157?pwd=VjdZYU44Mk5YUnpKcUNwWmErWW05dz09

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84918903254?pwd=emdaMG1GQ0ppUXRiQmd1cEx4YTNNZz09

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834520941?pwd=Wi9DNzFERHV5ekNYbE5udDhVVjBpQT09

One billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experience forms of disabilities. Among those, one-fifth of the estimated global total, or between 110 million and 190 million people, experience significant disabilities. Disability prevalence is even higher for developing countries and those with disabilities are more likely to experience adverse socio-economic outcomes such as less education, poorer health and employment outcomes, and higher poverty rates.
The European Commission’s European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 had identified social exclusion as one of the grand challenges that people with disabilities in Europe are facing. People with disabilities are the most disadvantaged in society exacerbating many inequity issues. For instance, people with disabilities may have limited access to basic education, which can largely reduce their chances to obtain meaningful and gainful employment as adults. Globally, the employment rates of people with disabilities is significantly lower than their peers without disabilities. In addition to the socio-economic implications, social exclusion impacts negatively on self-esteem, mental health and quality of life. Thus, social Inclusion is an important element of well-being for people with disabilities and a key component of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Research has highlighted that social inclusion can be promoted through access to education and employment.
Research has also demonstrated that assistive technology (AT) can be a meaningful way to improve access to education, employment and independence among people with disabilities. AT, include both high-end and low-end devices, equipment and systems, apps and other products. While AT can be useful in improving the life of people with disabilities, the World Health Organization have identified that only 10% of the population in need of AT products have access to them.
While AT provision varies across countries, the intent to support people with disabilities should be a global priority with a focus on removing barriers and providing facilitators to independent living, community participation, and transition from education to employment settings. The rapid pace of technological advancement can leave behind the most vulnerable in society especially those with disabilities. There are low rates of AT adoption by service providers, educators, employers and policymakers as well as high rates of AT abandonment. Building global capacity for AT provision and applications will provide a unique opportunity to support independence and inclusion for people with disabilities through the use of AT.
In collaboration with different stakeholders and through the voices of researchers, practitioner, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, we will highlight the critical role of partnerships between Europe, US and Africa in increasing inclusion and improving lives for people with disabilities. Using an international project, we will describe the challenges faced by inclusive education programs for transition-age students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Botswana and Ghana. We will also share innovative strategies in improving the situations by capacity building as well as guidelines and program development. Finally, we will discuss the importance of promoting interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborations between all stakeholders and placing the person with disability at the centre of the program and resources development, deployment and dissemination.

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88404145204?pwd=YkVDYitZZ09PNlFlMlRRUTdzblVIQT09


During the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity will adopt a post-2020 global biodiversity framework as a stepping stone towards the 2050 Vision of "Living in harmony with nature".

The 2018 African Ministerial Declaration on Biodiversity notes with concern the significant impact of land and ecosystem degradation on biological diversity, land productivity and human well-being in Africa, affecting over 485 million people and leading to an estimated annual cost of US$ 9.3 billion and recalls the decision Assembly/AU/Dec.352(XVI) of the Assembly of the African Union which, inter alia, called for the inclusion of biodiversity among the priorities of the African Union and recognizes the critical importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services in supporting economic growth, sustainable development, livelihoods and human well-being in Africa and its contribution to achieving the African Union Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.

The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal that will put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030, for the benefit of people, climate and the planet. It will also prepare the EU to take a leading role in the upcoming international negotiations on a new global framework to halt biodiversity loss. With the Green Deal’s ‘do no significant harm’ vision, all EU policies will become more biodiversity-friendly, focusing more on the sustainable use of ecosystems, supporting the recovery in a post-pandemic world[1]. This policy vision is fully supported in the Strategic Plan of Horizon Europe for 2021-2024 in its first key strategic orientation ‘Protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity and managing sustainably natural resources on land and at sea, and achieving climate neutrality and adaptation’. Consequently, Destination 1 “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services” intends to achieve i.a. that" Biodiversity research is interconnected across Europe, supporting and enhancing the ambition of national, EU and international environmental policies and conventions." 

Which are the research and innovation joint priorities for both regions? What institutions and  research capacities are requiered to foster collaboration on Biodiversity for SDG´s? What are the main opportunities and challenges at national level? How to foster EU-Africabiodiversity R&I collaboration further?

UNESCO, 2019 "Co-designing science in Africa: first steps in asessing the sustainability science approach from the ground" mapped 5 African case studies research and innovation capacities and main  challenges and opportunities to co-produce the knowledge required for SDG´s. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000368900.locale=en  


[1]              COM/2020/380 EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives

Please find online session link here
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86072760806?pwd=VEk4WWp6YXMzRlg5VEthN2RpT3J5Zz09

Please find online session link here
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82294837938?pwd=dStoYkx5VUVqUHBualRUaTM3ZVBNZz09 


Abstract:
Astronomy is an effective tool for international development because it combines fundamental science and cutting-edge technology with culture and inspiration. Putting this into practice is the pioneering mission of the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development in Cape Town, its network of 11 regional offices throughout the world and is the topic of this session.
The talks will focus on the unique contribution that astronomy, its technology and its inspirational power, can make in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG4 (Education), SDG9 (Infrastructure & Innovation), SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG16 (Peaceful inclusive societies). Particular attention will be paid to how exposing children from a very young age to the beauty and enormity of the Universe can contribute to forming their value systems, developing their sense of globalism and fostering universal solidarity. This unique approach can help counteract the several global threats that face the survival of our planet.
The session will conclude with a discussion about how astronomy can most effectively be used to advance the SDGs within Africa and Europe and how policy-makers can stimulate relevant fundamental actions to accomplish this most effectively.

 11:00 - 11:15  THE POWER OF ASTRONOMY FOR DEVELOPMENT 
 Kevin Govender, 
 Director IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
 
11:15 - 11:30   MESSAGE TO UN GA75 DIALOGUE
 Minister Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor,
 South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (prerecorded),
 11:30 - 11:35  MESSAGE TO UN GA75 DIALOGUE
 Barry Andrews, MEP 
 European Parliamentary Delegation for Relations with South Africa  (prerecorded)
 
11:35 - 11:50   PALE BLUE DOT - IGNITING THE SPARK OF GLOBALISM AND RESPECT FOR THE SDGS IN VERY YOUNG CHILDREN
 Cecilia Scorza
 Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich.
 
11:50 - 12:05   ASTROTOURISM FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 Sonal Asgotraa and Paras Loomba
 Global Himalayan Expedition AstroStays Project
 
12:05 - 12:20   Astronomy driving developments in "Big Data" and Advanced Computing
 Nikhita Madhanpal
 DARA Big Data Fellow, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development
 
12:20 - 13:00   Discussion: Astronomy for Development: European African Collaborations - Horizon Europe and Beyond 
 Panel from IAU Regional IAU OAD offices in Europe and Africa
 

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81861653038?pwd=d29WK2RCYzBBY0lpODVWRzlIRGsvZz09


The objective of this session is to discuss on current and future Africa-EU Biodiversity and Ecosystem services challenges and work on potential partnerships to influenciate the R&I agendas to address societal needs and support SDG 14 and 15. LifeWatch ERIC, as joint European Infrastructure working on these topics, aims at providing Virtual Research Environments for STI joint activities that can supply evidence for policy-making.

To start with, the session will map interest and potential partnership to develop a project proposal on Agroecology practices and exchange. As extracted from the Horizon Europe draft Work Program the call  HORIZON-CL6-2022-FARM2FORK-01-12 entitled: Agro-ecological approaches in African agriculture systems- shall have the following scope:
The EU’s relationship with Africa is a key priority for the EU. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing urgency of the climate crisis put pressure both on domestic/local food production and on ecosystems that generate higher health risks with the emergence of new pest and diseases for plants, animals and humans.
The implementation of agro-ecological approaches will alleviate the pressure that agri-food production places on natural ecosystems, contributing to resilience of agri-food systems and facilitating nature-based responses to current and future agri-food risks and threats. Agro-ecological transitions of food systems requires strong food governance with interventions at different level (local, territorial, and value chain) and coherent public policies.
Proposals should build on existing and develop new knowledge, data, models (including indicators) to:
      ·    Identify and evaluate the most suitable agro-ecological strategies for various farming systems in different agro-ecological zones, in Africa.
      ·    Deliver a method to identify the best combination of agro-ecological practices for different farming systems, identifying barriers to and drivers of (socioeconomic and ecological) its wide implementation and the conditions, means and tools to support agro-ecological transitions at individual, territorial and systems levels, and including prospective related to access to local and international markets.
      ·    Develop indicators to monitor and measure the qualitative and quantitative impacts of these strategies for different farming systems, the climate neutrality potential and trade-offs, nutrients flows, biodiversity and improvement of in farm socio-economic resilience.
      ·    Support farmers, advisory services and actors in value chains in implementing agro-ecological practices by stablishing communities to support capacity building, knowledge exchange, and share best practices across different human communities in relation to agro-ecological practices that contribute to mitigating climate change and other environmental impacts.
      ·    Identify approaches and methods to enhance the demand for food products resulting from agro-ecological practices, from local, national, regional and international markets. 
Proposals must implement the 'multi-actor approach’ and ensure adequate involvement of the farming sector and, as relevant, bio-based industries active in rural areas.