Strengthening Africa–Europe Science Partnerships for Global Resilience (Part 1)
The session will emphasise how joint research and innovation efforts between Africa and Europe are transforming key sectors. In health, partnerships in genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and pandemic preparedness are strengthening research capacity while contributing to global resilience. In agriculture and climate, collaborative initiatives are helping to develop sustainable food systems and climate-resilient practices, ensuring that science underpins solutions for food security.
In the digital sphere, Africa–Europe cooperation on artificial intelligence, open science, and digital public infrastructure is creating opportunities for inclusive participation in the knowledge economy. Underpinning these efforts is the recognition that an enabling policy and regulatory environment is essential for science to translate into equitable progress.
In the digital sphere, Africa–Europe cooperation on artificial intelligence, open science, and digital public infrastructure is creating opportunities for inclusive participation in the knowledge economy. Underpinning these efforts is the recognition that an enabling policy and regulatory environment is essential for science to translate into equitable progress.
Another focus will be the role of financing. Science remains underfunded, particularly in Africa, yet it is increasingly clear that research and innovation should be recognised as investable assets. By mobilising capital markets, engaging development banks, and designing innovative financial instruments, Africa–Europe cooperation can open new pathways to sustain science as a driver of development. This aligns with the calls from both continents to embed science more deeply in financing for development frameworks and to ensure that future investment strategies recognise its transformative potential.
The expected outcome of the AERAP session is to highlight concrete pathways to embed science collaboration in international processes and to generate actionable recommendations that advance Africa–Europe priorities. It will also serve as a convening space to strengthen networks of scientists, policymakers, financiers, and youth leaders, ensuring that diverse voices shape the future of collaboration. By presenting examples of success and by articulating a vision for the future, the session will contribute to building political momentum behind the idea that science, supported by enabling policy and finance, is a cornerstone of global resilience.
At UNGA80, AERAP’s presence will signal that Africa–Europe science cooperation is not only about bilateral ties but about contributing to global public goods. By aligning scientific collaboration with global governance processes, AERAP reaffirms that inclusive partnerships are crucial for addressing the significant challenges of our time and ensuring that the benefits of science and innovation are shared equitably across all regions.
