SCIENCE FORUM SESSION
Session Title: Astronomy for Sustainable Development: Global Impact through indigenous Innovation.
Date: 06 December 2024
Time: 09:00 – 10:15
Venue: CSIR ICC – Emerald Room
The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) will be hosting a joint session titled: Astronomy for Sustainable Development: Global Impact through indigenous Innovation.
The session will explore how astronomy can drive sustainable development and socio-economic progress both locally and globally. At the local level, the combination of Astronomy and Indigenous Astronomy plays a pivotal role in astrotourism and youth development, particularly around the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) sites in South Africa. During the session, representatives from the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and the Department of Tourism will discuss initiatives that incorporate Astronomy and Indigenous astronomy knowledge into tourism, creating a rich, sensory experience that fosters science engagement, economic upliftment, and community empowerment. An economist will contribute by sharing insights into the potential economic impact of astrotourism and related industries, illustrating how these initiatives can stimulate local economies, create jobs, and promote sustainable economic growth. By combining global strategies and local efforts, astronomy has become a powerful tool for sustainable development. Through collaboration, we can maximise its impact and ensure lasting benefits for communities.
SPEAKERS:
Ms. Pontsho Maruping – Managing Director, NRF|SARAO
Dr. Rosalind Skelton – Managing Director, NRF|SAAO
Mr. Kevin Govender – Director, OAD
Dr. Laeticia Jacobs – Deputy Director, Department of Tourism
Ms. Kalnisha Singh – Development Economist and Strategic Transformation Specialist, KD Strategies
SCIENCE FORUM SIDE EVENT
Event Title: Astronomy for Sustainable Development: Charting the Future of Africa.
Date: 04 December 2024
Time: 08:20-10:15
Venue: CSIR ICC – Jade Room
The African Astronomical Society and the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) will be co-hosting a side event at Science Forum South Africa titled: Astronomy for Sustainable Development: Charting the Future of Africa.
Following the International Astronomical Union’s General Assembly in Cape Town in August 2024, the Science Forum South Africa offers an ideal platform to engage key stakeholders on the future of Astronomy in Africa. This session will focus on the role of astronomy in advancing sustainable development across Africa, highlighting Africa’s advancements in astronomy and underscoring its importance in supporting the continent’s development goals.
Africa boasts world-class facilities like the MeerKAT telescope, set to become part of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). Additionally, South Africa collaborates with continental and global observatories to build an integrated African observation network. Various Human Capacity Development (HCD) programmes, which have already funded thousands of students, prepare graduates across Africa to lead in astronomy research.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals such as (SDGs) 4, 8, and 9, this event aims to demonstrate astronomy’s potential for socioeconomic growth by fostering partnerships with industry, facilities, and government. The agenda includes case studies, collaborative opportunities, and discussions led by representatives from the DSTI, NRF, AfAS, with anticipated outcomes of enhanced awareness, new partnerships, and expanded networking in astronomy across Africa.
SPEAKERS:
Mr Takalani Nemaungani – DSTI
Mr Kevin Govender – IAU-OAD
Ms Duduzile Kubheka – AfAS/BRICS
Dr Charles Takalana – IAU-OAD
Mr Thijs Geurts – SKAO
Ms Nomfundo Makhubo – SARAO
Mr Sivuyile Manxoyi – SAAO
Ms Audrey Dikgale – DSTI
Mr Lionel Khoza – Amazon
NOTE:
After this side event we encourage those interested in this subject to join another side event at 10:30 titled “Celebrating two decades of bilateral collaboration between South Africa and Netherlands on (radio) astronomy, and local impact”. Our colleagues will host a panel on the impact of the South Africa-Netherlands cooperation, including local benefits and potential new areas of impact, such as astro-tourism, indigenous astronomy, human capital development (HCD), multi-wavelength opportunities, Africa’s involvement and the future beyond the 20 year partnership
CLOSING SESSION
OAD Director Kevin Govender was invited to join a panel at the closing session of Science Forum 2024 together with Prof Remi Quirion, chief scientist of Quebec, Canada, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive: Business Advancement, NRF, and Thulile Khanyile, lecturer at Wits University, South Africa.