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A framework dealing with the problems, challenges and opportunities confronting scientific research and for the furthering of existing and new partnerships, both national and international, came out of World Conference on Science on for the 21st Century held in Budapest 1999. The outcome of the conference was the adoption of a Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge.

South Africa will host a three-day workshop from 12 - 14 September 2001 to discuss policies and strategies to implement the declaration. Dr Rob Adam, the Director - General of the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology will give an opening address to all delegates at 09h00 on 12 September, at Farm Inn, Pretoria.

The delegates at the World Conference on Science for the 21st Century agreed that the Science Agenda - Framework for Action be adopted as the guidelines and instruments to achieve the gaols proclaimed in the declaration. These are the guidelines as highlighted:
* science for knowledge; knowledge for progress;
* science for peace and development;
* science in society and science for society.

Science delegates and scientists from the African continent will gather and begin to contextualise the declaration with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa particularly SADC countries.

The theme at the World Conference on Science for the 21st Century: A New Commitment, aligns well with the New African Initiative which is a pledge by African leaders seeking to eradicate poverty and place Africa on a path to sustainable growth and development. The New African Initiative strategy identifies infrastructure, information and communication technology and human development with a focus on health, education and skill development as priority sectors. The New African Initiative programme of action touches on what needs to be done immediately and, in the science and technology platform covers the promotion of cross-border co-operation and connectivity by utilising knowledge currently available in existing centres of excellence in the continent.

Some of the presentations will be on science for basic human needs, science environment and sustainable development, woman's participation in science and public understanding and appreciation of science.

Contact: Andile Xaba at 012 337 8173/8404, 082 370 5336

Issued by Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology

11 September 2001