Universities and International Organization Establish Agreement to Foster Collaboration in Realm of Science, Technology, and Innovation
The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC), an agency of UNESCO, and South Africa's National Research Foundation (NRF) have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership aimed at strengthening collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI) in several key areas.
The partnership, facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Dr. Nare Prudence Makhura and Professor Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abd Rahman, represents a significant step in South-South cooperation. The agreement was formalized during a high-level ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The objectives of the partnership are diverse and far-reaching. They include fostering joint, interdisciplinary research initiatives, particularly focusing on areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, health, and water—all of which are priorities for sustainable development. The collaboration also aims to enhance the skills and expertise of early- and mid-career researchers in developing countries across the Global South, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity development.
The partnership also seeks to promote the exchange of scientific knowledge, innovations, and technology to address shared development challenges faced by countries in the Global South. Moreover, it aims to mobilize resources for high-impact STI projects, ensuring that these initiatives receive the necessary support for successful implementation.
Specific areas of focus for this partnership include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Climate Change, Health, Water, and other mutual priorities aligned with national and global priorities, enhancing sustainable development and equity.
The ISTIC-NRF MoU is expected to accelerate scientific discovery and technological development, contributing to sustainable solutions for developing nations. The partnership is anticipated to create opportunities for co-creation, knowledge exchange, and impactful joint initiatives across the Global South.
Michael Nxumalo, Director of Future Earth Africa Hub and NRF Manager: International Grants and Partnerships, expressed hope for fostering research collaboration and stronger people-to-people connections between institutions and communities of scientists. Tengku Sharizad Tengku Dahlan, Director of ISTIC, stated that the partnership reaffirms a shared commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation.
The ISTIC-NRF MoU does not specify any new areas of focus beyond those mentioned earlier (water, health, climate change, artificial intelligence, and other mutually beneficial fields aligned with national and global priorities). However, it sets the stage for future project-specific agreements and the joint mobilization of resources to support priority initiatives.
This partnership underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex global challenges. It demonstrates the capability of institutions from the Global South in shaping a more equitable and knowledge-driven future. The ISTIC-NRF MoU reinforces the commitment to nurturing a robust ecosystem of innovation and excellence.
In conclusion, the ISTIC-NRF partnership is a significant milestone in South-South cooperation, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in addressing complex global challenges. The partnership aims to facilitate collaborative research, enhance capacity-building for early- and mid-career researchers, and promote the exchange of knowledge, scientific expertise, and innovation. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, researchers, and partners from both countries, and the partnership may lead to the creation of impactful joint initiatives across the Global South.
- The partnership, between ISTIC and NRF, primarily focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, health, and water, championing sustainable development.
- The collaboration under this MoU is expected to foster interdisciplinary research initiatives, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity development.
- The partnership, as stated, is committed to promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge, innovations, and technology to overcome shared development challenges.
- The objectives also include mobilizing resources for high-impact Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) projects, ensuring these initiatives receive necessary support.
- The ISTIC-NRF MoU reinforces the commitment to nurturing an ecosystem of innovation and excellence in the fields of environmental-science, education-and-self-development, business, finance, and technology.
- This partnership will create opportunities for co-creation, knowledge exchange, and impactful joint initiatives in developing countries across the Global South.
- The partnership marks a significant step in South-South cooperation, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation.
- The ISTIC-NRF MoU highlights the necessity of international cooperation in addressing intricate global challenges, showcasing the Global South's institutions in shaping a more equitable and knowledge-driven future.
