Transforming Knowledge for Africa's Future

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia- 30^th September- 2^nd October 2024 -The International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners, convened by the African Union Commission and UNESCO, concluded successfully on the 2 October 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Focusing on 'Transforming Knowledge for Africa's Future', the Forum brought together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and international partners and aimed to strengthen interdisciplinary research and collaboration across Africa while fostering mutually beneficial South-South and South-South-North partnerships.

H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia, emphasized the Forum's importance in shaping Africa's future by quoting,

"Knowledge is a garden, if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested".

She highlighted the deep connection between Africa's future and multiple knowledge ecosystems and underscored the need to rebalance research partnerships for the continent's progress.

In his remarks H.E. Prof Mohamed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, science, Technology and Innovation emphasized the critical importance of education as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for societal development. He highlighted that education must be free and accessible, particularly at the primary level, and underscored the need for resilient education systems capable of withstanding crises such as natural disasters and conflicts. He also stressed that educating youth goes beyond economic outcomes, aiming to foster responsible citizens equipped with critical thinking, life skills, and an understanding of their historical and future roles in society​

In her remarks, Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, stated that

"we now face an existential choice between continuing on an unsustainable path or radically changing course. To do this, we must change the way we define, produce and use knowledge systems, if we are to shape alternative futures for Africa and for humanity."

The Forum brought together regional and international research networks and experts to envisage future scenarios for Africa, examine their implications for knowledge production, and to develop and strengthen collaborative research partnerships. Attended by over 550 individuals from at least 90 countries across the world, participants addressed the transformation of knowledge, research, science, and innovation systems. Sessions focused on gender equality, health, artificial intelligence, digital and ecological transitions, open science, and the right to education, among other topics.

Drawing inspiration from Agenda 2063, the Forum was aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Some sessions related to the Pact of the Future and its annexes - a Global Digital

Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations - recently adopted at the UN Summit for the Future in September 2024.

The Forum contributed to UNESCO's flagship programmes on Africaas well as key strategies of the African Union in crucial areas such as AI, education, TVET, and science.

For Africa's future to be Africa-driven, experts observed that different ways of thinking are needed to redefine governance, education, research, and knowledge production. This would necessarily involve youth and include Indigenous and local knowledge systems.

Stefania Giannini observed, 'It is essential to ask how visions of Africa's future are informed and created, by whom, and what is the place of knowledge systems, including higher education, in these visions. We can reimagine our futures together - futures that are co-created through inclusive and principled dialogue'.

As the three-day Forum concluded, participants left with renewed commitment to develop collaborative research and actions to transform knowledge for the futures of Africa and humanity.