Cape Town - President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the opening of the World Science Forum (WSF) at the CTICC in Cape Town.
There are high hopes of promoting South Africa as a strategic partner for global science collaboration in response to societal challenges while hosting the international event.
The first WSF in Africa runs from Tuesday until Friday under the theme “Science for Social Justice”.
In his keynote address, the president urged science to assist humanity in responding to disease, climate change and food insecurity.
Scientists, community, public policy makers, industry, civil society and other stakeholders were taking part in discussions about how science was connected to greater social issues, and how it could contribute to equitable treatment and allocation of resources.
The event was supposed to be held in 2021 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and strict travel regulations.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande said the event was only possible because of the science-led decisions and breakthroughs that brought the pandemic under control.
For WSF to make a difference, Nzimande said the dialogue about science and technology could not only involve the scientific world, it should be with society, policy-makers, citizens, public institutions and private sector interests.
Ramaphosa said: “Today more than ever, science is called upon to assist humanity. We therefore need to ensure that this forum will not only be a platform for vibrant discussion, but will also lead to concrete actions harnessing science as an instrument for social justice.”
He implored the delegates to discuss what role science should play in protecting and enhancing human dignity and in fighting poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Ramaphosa said that science progressed when nations worked together and by hosting this forum, South Africa was demonstrating its strong commitment to international co-operation in science.
Nzimande said the Cabinet recently approved a new Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation for the next decade, which will bring together senior government, business, science and civil society leaders to implement an agenda for science for social justice.
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