The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced plans to work with 20 African countries to create national science, technology and innovation systems.
Getachew Engida, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO expressed readiness of the UN specialised agency to foster national science, technology and innovation systems across the continent.
He dropped this hint at the graduation ceremony of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology noting that UNESCO is deeply committed to strengthening education and training across Africa.
“This involves training in data collection, the development of indicators and design of monitoring tools, to strengthen evidence-based policy-making,” he said.
He said science and technology have a special place in the cooperation between UNESCO and least developed countries (LDCs) to create employment and reduce poverty.
UNESCO also called for greater investment in ensuring students has access to science at all levels of education, as well as in the quality of science and engineering education.
“Science stands at the heart of Africa’s renaissance as a force for the creation of knowledge, for the eradication of poverty. This is why this institution is so important, to build the foundations for more inclusive, dynamic and resilient societies,” he adds.
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