South Africa has become the first African nation to host the Science20 (S20) meeting, focusing on urgent global challenges including climate change. Leaders emphasized the necessity of science-driven policy recommendations for G20 countries during the meeting from February 24-27, 2025. The discussions aimed to ensure that recommendations effectively reach policymakers for implementation.
South Africa has achieved a significant milestone by hosting the Science20 (S20) meeting, becoming the first African country to do so. This forum, comprised of national science academies from G20 nations, convened from February 24 to 27, 2025. The meeting focused on urgent global issues, particularly the vulnerabilities experienced by Africa, emphasizing the necessity for science-driven policy recommendations for the G20.
Leaders from the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) underscored the critical need to address climate change effectively. ASSAf President Thokozani Majozi articulated the essential aim of the S20: “The S20 deliberates on pertinent issues with the idea of sharing recommendations. But ultimately, these discussions must reach policymakers,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of presenting policies in a manner comprehensible to decision-makers.
Amidst political uncertainties, such as the US’s foreign aid funding freezes and the UK’s redirection of foreign aid to defense, adaptability remains crucial. Majozi emphasized that it is vital to devise solutions that are appropriate for various nations, acknowledging that changes can occur rapidly.
Francois Engelbrecht, from the Global Change Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, discussed the importance of climate mitigation measures reflecting the diverse climate risks of G20 regions. He confidently declared, “The science of future climate change is strongly rooted in the laws of physics,” underscoring the validity of future climate models.
Himla Soodyall, ASSAf Executive Officer, advocated for an integrated approach to global challenges, rejecting siloed views of critical issues such as health and water. “This approach allows us to merge problems with mitigation actions in a meaningful way,” she stated, stressing that interconnected problems need comprehensive strategies to resolve them.
Reflecting on past S20 meetings in Brazil and India, Soodyall expressed concern about the ineffective follow-through on previous policy recommendations. In response, she has endeavored to incorporate these recommendations into ASSAf’s strategic performance plans, aiming to generate real momentum for collaborative efforts across regions and ensure sustained engagement with G20 leaders.
In summary, South Africa’s hosting of the Science20 meeting marks a pivotal moment for the continent in addressing pressing global challenges. The discussions focused on climate change, the need for adaptable policies, and the importance of an integrated approach to complex issues. Key leaders emphasized that recommendations must effectively reach policymakers to have a meaningful impact, aiming for actionable outcomes that can guide future collaborations.
Original Source: www.nature.com
