SRI Africa Satellite Event

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Plenaries

Sustainability Research and Innovation (SRI) Africa 2025 brings together leading minds and institutions dedicated to advancing sustainability through interdisciplinary collaboration. This event serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, fostering partnerships that drive impactful solutions for Africa and beyond.

Moderator:
Prof. Solomon Derese, University of Nairobi

Setting the Scene:
Prof. Maano Ramutsindela, Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Center

Welcome Remarks:

• Dr. Fumiko Kasuga, Future Earth Japan Hub
• Dr. Nicole Arbour, Belmont Forum
• Dr Prudence Makhura, National Research Foundation, South Africa
• Dr Masae Sugawara: Japan Science and Technology, Steering Committee Belmont forum 
• Prof. Heila Lotz-Sisitka, Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Cente
• Prof. Chrispin B. O. Kowenje, Maseno University & East Africa Regional of Future Earth
• Prof. Margaret J. Hutchinson, University of Nairobi
• Prof. Dickson Andala, National Research Fund (NRF), Kenya
• Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat,  the Principal Secretary, State Department of Science, Research and Innovation, and the Ministry of Education, Kenya

Context: 

The upcoming policy engagement plenaries aim to explore opportunities at the science-policy interface, fostering a dynamic dialogue between scientific research and policymakers. The discussions will highlight collaborative actions to strengthen science-based policymaking, especially in the sustainability science domain. Additionally, the session will delve into the efforts of Future Earth Africa Hub in championing policy engagement initiatives, focusing on enhancing alignment and synergies between various stakeholders and the broader Future Earth community. By raising awareness about the policy activities within Future Earth, the plenary aspires to create a shared understanding of strategies to bridge science and policy for sustainable development across the continent.

Plenary Format: Keynote of 10- 15 minutes on the context, followed by a panel discussion 

Context:

Africa faces unique sustainability challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, and energy transitions. To address these, the continent is increasingly leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as powerful tools for advancing sustainable development. Initiatives such as the STI for SDGs Roadmaps have been tailored to specific countries, focusing on areas like climate resilience, renewable energy, and food systems transformation. Moreover, the sustainability science approach emphasizes interdisciplinary research, stronger science-policy interfaces, and collaboration across diverse stakeholders. These efforts align with global agendas like the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063, aiming to foster inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development.

Plenary Format: Keynote of 15 minutes on the context, followed by a panel discussion (40 minutes) and (20 minutes Q&A with audience)

Context:

The contemporary discourse on sustainable development is increasingly focused on the ‘Nexus’—the intricate interlinkages between our ecosystems, economies, and energy systems. This panel discussion aims to unravel the complexities of the Nexus, spotlighting the critical issues and untapped opportunities within the green and blue economies and the pivotal energy transition.
In addressing Nexus security, we confront the vulnerabilities of our interconnected systems and the imperative of safeguarding our resources against the backdrop of climate change and global uncertainties.
This panel will unite thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to forge a path toward a resilient and equitable future. Through a multidisciplinary lens, we will dissect the barriers, share innovative solutions, and highlight collaborative strategies that can propel us toward a sustainable and prosperous world for all.

Plenary Format: Keynote of 10 – 15 min on the context, followed by a panel discussion

Context:

There is a growing recognition that the challenges that confront humanity transcend disciplinary, physical, digital, and scientific boundaries. This recognition has triggered all forms of collaborative partnerships. North-South research collaboration is evolving, but anecdotal evidence suggest that South-South collaboration is lagging. But what exactly is the purpose of collaborative partnerships? We argue that scientific partnerships ought to be empowering all involved actors, but to what extent is such empowerment taking place? Without care, scientific collaborative bridges could be dis-empowering, especially when power is unevenly distributed between actors and parties, and when reflexive processes are not in place.

In this session, we will explore among others, the following questions:

Key Questions:

1. How should the Global South foster South-south scientific partnerships?
   What does it mean to empower the Global
2. South through scientific collaborative bridges and partnerships?
3. What needs to be in place for collaborative partnerships to be truly empowering for Global South scholars?
4. How does power shape Global South collaborative research and empowerment/dis-empowerment?

Outcome: Critical awareness on empowerment/disempowerment in collaborative scientific bridges and partnerships.

Output: Ideas and recommendations for ensuring that scientific collaborations are truly empowering Global South scholars in the face of unequal distribution of power.

Plenary Format: A 20-minute keynote presentation follow by a moderated panel discussion.

As SRI Africa 2025 comes to a close, this final session provides an opportunity to reflect on key insights, acknowledge contributions, and discuss the path forward for sustainability research in Africa. It is a moment to celebrate the collaboration, innovation, and dedication that have shaped this gathering.

Moderator:
Mr. Michael Nxumalo, Facilitator

SRI Africa Report (10 min):
Dr. Faten Attig Bahar – A dynamic overview of SRI Africa’s journey, key takeaways, and appreciation for all contributors. (Projected report presentation)

Closing remarks:

• Dr. Prudence Makhura, National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa
• Dr. Erica Key, Future Earth
• Dr. Nicole Arbour, Belmont Forum (Online)
• Prof. Maano Ramutsindela, Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Center 
• Prof. Dickson Andala, National Research Fund (NRF), Kenya
• Prof. Chrispin B. O. Kowenje, East Africa Regional Node of Future Earth
• Prof. Francis Mulaa, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi