By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Sciences (KEAS) wants Science to play a pivotal role in the growth of the country’s economy.
KEAS President, Dr. Thabile Ndlovu when making her remarks at their second annual conference on Friday, October 27, 2023, noted that Science has the potential of science to transform society and development in Eswatini.
The conference, themed “Science for Society and Development”, aimed to explore the role of science in shaping society and advancing the nation’s development goals, as stipulated in the National Development Plan (NDP), The Strategy for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth (SSDIG) and the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
The Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Phesheya Dube, who opened the conference, highlighted the government’s achievements in enacting into law the National Research Council Bill and the Royal Science Technology Park Bill, which are expected to transform the science, technology, and innovation (STI) trajectory in Eswatini.
He also emphasized the need to ensure that scientific advancements are inclusive, accessible, and ethical and that they inform evidence-based decision-making for the benefit of society.
“We acknowledge that scientific advancements are not confined to laboratories and academic institutions alone. Science is for everyone, hence it ought to influence and serve as guidance for our policies, strategies, and actions for the benefit of society as a whole,” Dube said.
He urged all the stakeholders to collaborate on future projects and initiatives that will elevate the academy to new heights and inspire generations of scientists.
The conference featured presentations from various speakers on topics such as climate change, public health, digital transformation, and social innovation. The speakers shared their research findings, best practices, and recommendations for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Eswatini in the 21st century.
The conference also provided a platform for networking and partnership among the participants, who expressed their interest in collaborating on future projects and initiatives.
Ndlovu also announced that the next conference will be held in 2024, with a focus on science education, science policy, and international collaborations.
“Let us foster an environment where ideas flourish, innovations are nurtured, and scientific breakthroughs are translated into tangible benefits for our society,” she said.