Academy of Science of South Africa to lead Science20 meeting in Pretoria
As the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation closes the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group meeting and the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy meeting in Bloemfontein, its entity, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) will lead the Science20 (S20) 2025 meeting in Pretoria from 25 February.
The S20 is the official engagement group for science academies within the G20 to foster science-based dialogue and provide policy advice. Established in 2017, the S20 mission is to promote scientific cooperation and ensure that scientific perspectives influence G20 decisions on global challenges. Each year, the S20 meeting culminates in a communiqué with actionable recommendations for G20 leaders. Having assumed the 2025 G20 Presidency South Africa will steer discussions under the overarching theme of "Fostering solidarity, equity and sustainable development".
The theme for this year's S20 meeting is "Climate change and well-being", which focuses on the critical intersection of climate, food, water, energy, and land systems. This theme aligns with South Africa's strategic priorities and the global need for sustainable, science-driven solutions to climate challenges.
ASSAf will coordinate discussions among the national academies of science from G20 countries, leading up to a summit that produces recommendations for advancing sustainable development and climate resilience. The inaugural face-to-face S20 meeting will take place from 25 to 27 February 2025 in Pretoria. The event will kick off with a welcome dinner on 25 February, followed by closed discussions on 26 and 27 February. Pretoria, as South Africa's administrative capital, is known for its rich historical significance, remarkable architectural heritage, and abundant green spaces, making it an appealing location for this significant gathering.
The S20 operates as a forum rather than an organisation, with its summits held annually before the respective G20 Summit. Knowledge partners for this event include academies from G20 countries as well as national and international observers. A final in-person S20 meeting will be scheduled around the G20 Ministers' meeting in September 2025 to maximise participation from academy presidents and other key figures while finalising the communiqué.
For more information, visit: https://s20southafrica.org/
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