Programme Director, Ms Anneline Morgan, Acting CEO of the National Advisory Council on Innovation
Mr Tilson Manyoni, Chairperson of the NACI Council
Ambassador David Malcomson, attending on behalf of South Africa's Sous Sherpa for the G20, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo
Chief science advisers and nominated equivalents of G20 and invited countries
Esteemed representatives of the South African science system
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the third meeting of the G20 Chief Science Advisers' Roundtable. This is a key moment under the G20 Research and Innovation Track, and for science advice globally.
The 2025 CSAR is convened under the theme: "Equity-based Science, Technology and Innovation for Inclusive Human Development and Global Sustainability", which responds directly to the focus of South Africa's G20 Presidency on "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability". It underscores the key role of science, technology and innovation as core drivers of human development and sustainability, which must be underpinned by equality and solidarity.
South Africa is deeply committed to this agenda. Our 2019 White Paper on STI outlines a bold vision: "STI enabling sustainable and inclusive development in a changing world". This vision continues to guide our strategies and our engagements, at the G20 and elsewhere.
Our priorities for the CSAR accentuate the importance of (a) the development and promotion of a global STI agenda to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and enable a just, equitable and inclusive energy transition; (b) working towards the establishment of a global knowledge system that is equitable and open to all; and (c) leveraging G20 initiatives to strengthen STI capacity building in Africa and developing countries.
Science advice is indispensable in addressing the complex challenges the world faces. Its role, especially at the interface of science and policy, cannot be overstated. As we all know, the link between knowledge and action is not automatic, and often needs to be cultivated, supported and steered to where it is most needed.
While science can and does influence policy, policy should also guide science to outcomes that serve the greater good.
This is the core significance of the CSAR; through national and institutional advisory systems, it helps shape the policy priorities of G20 members and related bodies by identifying effective, evidence-based approaches to urgent global challenges.
Indeed, this aligns with a powerful message found in the Pact for the Future: "It is imperative that we collaborate to bridge the science, technology and innovation gap within and between developed and developing countries, to support developing countries to harness science, technology and innovation to achieve sustainable development".
This global mandate affirms the urgency and responsibility we all share in this room.
We are pleased that the draft Outcome Statement has been agreed to in principle after a two-day technical meeting held in Pretoria in April 2025 and several online consultations between sessions. We believe that the broad consensus reached will positively inform today's discussions on the Outcome Statement and support the vision and essential undertakings reflected in this strategic document.
In this regard, I wish to express our deep appreciation to all the experts, country representatives, and officials who contributed to the drafting of the Outcome Statement. Your efforts reflect a shared commitment to leveraging science, technology and innovation in support of inclusive development and meaningful international collaboration.
It is noteworthy that the second session of our programme this afternoon allows for a open exchange on the importance of STI advisory mechanisms and their role in fostering coherent STI ecosystems in the G20 and developing countries, particularly in Africa.
This event will bring together G20 science advisers and their equivalents, alongside international research institutions, policy makers and representatives of academic institutions. Discussions will explore the establishment of STI advisory platforms and targeted capacity-building initiatives in developing countries, drawing on the accumulated experience and positive international best practice of existing STI advisory mechanisms.
I would like to conclude by thanking the officials of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Advisory Council on Innovation for organising this gathering.
I am sure that today's deliberations on the Outcome Statement and the strategic importance of science advice will be fruitful.
I Thank you.
