Regional Science, Technology & Innovation Conference set to open in Nairobi.
The meeting will bring together policymakers, industry players, academicians, researchers, innovators, students, and development partners.
Nairobi, 4 March 2024 The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) will jointly host the 3rd EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Conference to be held in Nairobi on 6-8 March 2024.
Under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC), the conference will be held in collaboration with various STI stakeholders in the region and globally in order to provide an avenue for sharing experiences, best practice and applications of STI outputs. It will also serve to strengthen collaborations, facilitate regional integration and enhance sustainable development.
The conference will be opened by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu. Other notable dignitaries expected to attend include EAC Secretary General Dr Peter Mathuki, heads of participating EAC Institutions, and donor representatives.
The overarching theme of the conference will be, “Accelerating development and diffusion of Science, Technology and Innovation solutions for a green, inclusive and resilient East Africa.” This biennial conference builds on the deliberations and success of the 1st and 2nd conferences, which were held, respectively, in Kampala, Uganda in 2019 and Bujumbura, Burundi in 2021.
The Executive Secretary of EASTECO, Dr Sylvance Okoth, said the conference will provide an important forum for discussing solutions to a wide range of problems afflicting the region. “There will be four key thematic areas and various sub-themes, each addressing a unique topic. The emphasis is on attaining sustainable solutions in line with the SDGs and other internationally-accepted guidelines.”
On his part, IUCEA Executive Secretary Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona underscored the importance of research in advancing human knowledge and achievement. “The conference will contribute to the future of science, technology and innovation by encouraging an open exchange of information and cross-border learning, hence providing inspiration to academicians across the region.”
The meeting will bring together diverse actors in the STI system, including policy makers, industry players, academicians, researchers, innovators, students and development partners.
Other stakeholders expected to attend the conference include representatives of EAC Partner States, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, business and industry organizations, academic and research institutions, and development partners.
The conference will be held in a hybrid mode through face-to-face and virtual platforms. Activities will include a high-level policy dialogue, plenary sessions, an exhibition, and a ministerial session. Special sessions will be held on request from partners and will incorporate a youth engagement session on technologies and innovation of the future as well as a session on entrepreneurship promotion through education, research, and development.
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For further information, please contact:
Mr. Gai Peter Manyuon
Public Relations and Corporate Communications Officer