The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) working jointly with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) are set to host the 3rd EAC Regional Conference. This auspicious event which is looking forward to providing an avenue for sharing experiences and applications of STI output, shall kick off from 6th to 8th of March, 2024, in Nairobi.
According to the press release published on 1 March 2024, the conference will be held in collaboration with various STI stakeholders in the region and across the globe; via a hybrid mode through face-to-face and virtual platforms.
The conference expects to accommodate stakeholders from the EAC Partner States, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, business and industry organizations, academic and research institutions, and development partners.
Kenya’s Educational Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu among other notable dignitaries including EAC Secretary General Dr. Peter Mathuki, Heads of participating EAC Institutions as well as donor representatives shall form a class of honorary figures whose presence during the conference shall emphasize this year’s theme: ‘Accelerating development and diffusion of Science, Technology and Innovation solutions for a green, inclusive and resilient East Africa’.
The meeting will bring together diverse actors in the STI system, including policymakers, industry players, academicians, researchers, innovators, students, and development partners. The discussions shall encompass various activities of high-level policy dialogue, plenary sessions, an exhibition, and a ministerial session.
Moreover, special sessions will be held on request from partners and will incorporate a youth engagement session on technologies and innovation of the future as well as a session on entrepreneurship promotion through education, research, and development.
Speaking prior to the upcoming conference, the Executive Secretary of EASTECO, Dr Sylvance Okoth, expressed a positive attitude regarding this year’s conference saying it will provide an important forum for discussing solutions to a wide range of problems afflicting the region.
He added:
“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.”
On his part, IUCEA Executive Secretary Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona underscored the importance 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.”
This biennial conference builds on the deliberations and success of the 1st and 2nd conferences, which were held, respectively, in Kampala, Uganda in 2019 and Bujumbura, Burundi in 2021.