Strengthening science diplomacy: Building STI capacity in African missions to the UN

As UN Member States increasingly recognize the value of science-policy interfacing in the multilateral system, the International Science Council (ISC) has been mobilized to provide urgently needed scientific input and advice. However, for evidence-informed decision-making to be effective, diplomats must be equipped to harness scientific knowledge and engage meaningfully in science-informed negotiations. Yet significant disparities exist in access to Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) resources, infrastructure, expertise, and advice across UN Member States.

In an exciting step toward strengthening science-policy engagement in the New York-based UN system, on 25 June 2025, the ISC piloted an approach to increasing impact and equity within multilateral science advice. Partnering with the Coalition on Science, Technology, and Innovation for Africa’s Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the ISC co-convened an “Expert-Level Capacity-Building Workshop for African Missions to the United Nations”. Through open dialogue between diplomats and scientific leaders, this workshop provided a foundational understanding of the key principles underpinning STI use – and its future – in science diplomacy and sustainable development.

Structured around plenary and interactive breakout sessions with scientific leaders, the workshop focused on two main areas:

• Harnessing science for Africa’s development – exploring how African science systems and science-policy interfaces can inform multilateral decision-making toward Africa’s development.
• Empowering digital technology and innovation for African countries – considering how technology and innovation systems can be used to accelerate development across the continent.

Panelists in the first session, Dr. Heide Hackmann (Stellenbosch University) and Dr. Doyin Odubanjo (Nigerian Academy of Science and member of the ISC Governing Board), called on participants to strengthen diplomatic channels between scientific and political systems. The discussion emphasized Agenda 2030 as a key framework for STI policy and underscored the need for new funding models, institutional mechanisms for science-policy exchange, and enhanced trust to effectively bridge diverse knowledge systems.

Panelists in the second session, Dr. Emna Harigua (Institut Pasteur de Tunis) and Dr. Monica Kerretts-Makau (Arizona State University), explored the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, including information and communication technologies (ICTs) and artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion highlighted the importance of retaining researchers in Africa, advancing STI policies in the AI era, and strengthening science-diplomacy collaboration. Dr. Kerretts-Makau posed a powerful question to participants:
“Technology is here. How can we harness it together, and what is your role as an ambassador?”

Building on the plenary sessions, participants engaged in small-group discussions to examine how diplomats can better navigate science-policy interfaces and use STI as a lever for sustainable development. Key questions included: How can trust between science and policy be enhanced? How can evidence-based policymaking advance Agenda 2030? What roles do co-design, co-creation of knowledge, and transdisciplinary approaches play? How can emerging technologies such as AI and ICTs support education and sustainable development in Africa? And, ultimately, how can the global scientific community support African Missions in strengthening their science diplomacy capacities?

As the ISC continues to strengthen its role in evidence-informed multilateral decision-making, this workshop marked a significant step toward fostering collaborative action and shared understanding of STI as a catalyst for Africa’s development.

Picture by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash.

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