Pretoria: Science, Technology, and Innovation Deputy Minister Dr. Nomalungelo Gina is representing South Africa at UNESCO's 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, which begins today in France.
According to South African Government News Agency, this UNESCO flagship Ministerial event supports the implementation of the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033). The initiative aims to mobilize all scientific disciplines to support the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on international cooperation, evidence-informed policymaking, capacity development, open and inclusive science, and stronger links between researchers, policymakers, and society.
Convened under the theme: 'Science in action: Charting a sustainable and equitable future for all', the conference gathers global leaders, ministers, and stakeholders to explore how knowledge can be translated into practical solutions for development challenges. Speaking ahead of the conference, Deputy Minister Gina highlighted South Africa's commitment to using science, technology, and innovation to drive inclusive growth, support development priorities, and improve quality of life.
'South Africa's participation also seeks to strengthen the country's engagement with UNESCO and other member states, while reinforcing our role in science diplomacy and international scientific cooperation,' said Deputy Minister Gina. South Africa supports the principles of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, recognizing that open, inclusive, and collaborative scientific systems are essential for expanding access to knowledge, strengthening public trust in science, and accelerating innovation for sustainable development.
These principles are reflected in the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation, which positions science, technology, and innovation as a strategic national asset for inclusive economic growth, social development, and improved quality of life. The Deputy Minister will participate in two official sessions. On Thursday, 16 July, she will join a high-level panel session titled: 'Translating Evidence into Priorities: Bridging Evidence to Action, Focusing on Priorities and Implementation,' focusing on how governments can better translate scientific evidence into policy, strategic priorities, and implementation.
On Friday, Dr. Gina will be a discussant in the thematic session titled, 'The Exposome in Action: Global Strategies for Translating Total Environmental Exposure Science into Prevention and Policy.' This session will examine how research on environmental exposure can be translated into effective public health interventions and evidence-based policies that prevent disease and strengthen resilience.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that South Africa will use the platform to highlight the value of evidence-informed policymaking, open and inclusive science, international cooperation, and capacity development in advancing practical, people-centered solutions to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food and water security, public health, and sustainable industrial development. 'The country's central message is that science must remain accessible, collaborative, and purposefully directed towards improving the lives of people,' she stated.
The conference follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's official visit to France from 10 to 12 July 2026, during which he co-chaired the UNESCO High-Level Steering Committee on Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education with UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany. These engagements provide an opportunity to further reinforce South Africa's visibility and engagement within the UNESCO system. The conference will conclude on Friday.