By Kenya News Post Reporter
Nairobi, 1 March 2024 — The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) are poised to jointly host the 3rd EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Conference in Nairobi from 6th to 8th March 2024.
Under the umbrella of the East African Community (EAC), the conference aims to foster collaboration among various STI stakeholders regionally and globally. It seeks to facilitate the exchange of experiences, best practices, and applications of STI outputs while enhancing collaborations, regional integration, and sustainable development efforts.
The conference will be opened by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu and is expected to draw notable dignitaries including EAC Secretary General Dr Peter Mathuki, heads of participating EAC Institutions, and donor representatives.
With the theme, “Accelerating development and diffusion of Science, Technology and Innovation solutions for a green, inclusive and resilient East Africa,” the conference will build upon the successes of its predecessors held in Kampala, Uganda in 2019, and Bujumbura, Burundi in 2021.
Dr. Sylvance Okoth, Executive Secretary of EASTECO, highlighted the significance of the conference in addressing regional challenges. He stated, “There will be four key thematic areas and various sub-themes, each addressing a unique topic. The emphasis is on attaining sustainable solutions in line with the SDGs and other internationally-accepted guidelines.”
Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of IUCEA, emphasized the role of research in advancing human knowledge and achievement. “The conference will contribute to the future of science, technology, and innovation by encouraging an open exchange of information and cross-border learning, hence providing inspiration to academicians across the region.”
The conference will convene policymakers, industry players, academicians, researchers, innovators, students, and development partners. Additionally, stakeholders such as representatives of EAC Partner States, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, business and industry organizations, academic and research institutions, and development partners are expected to participate.
Activities during the conference will include a high-level policy dialogue, plenary sessions, an exhibition, and a ministerial session. Special sessions will be held on request from partners, incorporating a youth engagement session on future technologies and innovation, as well as a session on entrepreneurship promotion through education, research, and development.
The conference will adopt a hybrid format, combining face-to-face and virtual platforms to ensure broad participation and accessibility.
About EASTECO
The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) is a semi-autonomous institution of the East African Community (EAC), established to promote and coordinate the development, management, and application of Science and Technology in the Partner States.
About IUCEA
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) facilitates networking among universities in East Africa and beyond, providing a forum for discussions on academic matters and promoting internationally comparable education standards in the region.
For additional information on the conference, visit here.https://3rdsticonference.easteco.org/
