Day 1
Presidential Panel
During the Presidential Panel, Heads of State will be given the opportunity to express their views on a White Paper jointly prepared in advance by NEF, the Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa, the African Academy of Sciences and Carnegie Melon University Africa, submitted to the Heads of State a few months ahead of the Global Gathering. This paper entitled “Laying the Groundwork for Knowledge Led Economies” will focus on regulatory framework, scientific culture and capacity, and partnerships and structured financing required to build knowledge led economies. Moderated by Didier Acoutey, Heads of State and Former Heads of State will discuss their aspirations and commitments vis-a-vis the paper’s recommendations.
Special Session on Bridging the Gap for Women in Science and Technology
This special session will focus on conclusions and recommendations from a White Paper on best practices for advancing women in scientific research. While panel on Women in STEM at the NEF GG2016 sought to define and to challenge barriers that cause women’s underrepresentation in STEM fields, this 2018 special session will bring together political and industry leaders and focus on innovative policies to put in place by governments and industries to advance the status of women in science in academia and industry.
