India’s UNESCO Chairs Participate in Global Forum to Shape Africa’s Educational Future
India’s two UNESCO Chairs from Amrita University recently participated in the international forum ‘Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future,’ held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 30 to October 2, 2024. Organized by the African Union Commission and UNESCO under the patronage of H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia, the forum aimed to strengthen research collaboration and bolster higher education across Africa.
Representing India, Dr. Maneesha V Ramesh, UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development, and Dr. Bhavani Rao, UNESCO Chair on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, contributed to discussions on research cooperation in critical areas such as water and gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
The forum was convened in response to ongoing challenges faced by Africa in global scientific research, with only 1% of the world’s research output originating from the continent. This stark imbalance needs addressing to unlock Africa’s full potential for sustainable development. Discussions emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa’s diverse knowledge traditions to reframe its future trajectory.
Dr. Maneesha, Provost of Amrita University, participated in a session on ‘Research Cooperation and Capacity Development in Water,’ highlighting the need for interdisciplinary research to tackle water challenges in Africa. Dr. Bhavani, Dean of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, engaged in a session on ‘Promoting Gender Equality in and through STEM Education,’ emphasizing the critical role of women in advancing Africa’s scientific landscape.
In addition to their session contributions, both Dr. Maneesha and Dr. Bhavani engaged in meaningful discussions with UNESCO Director Mohamed Elfarnawany, who heads the Division of Priority Africa Coordination. This meeting explored further opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Amrita University and UNESCO’s African initiatives.
The forum attracted participants from across the globe, including UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks, scholars, civil society organizations, and development partners. Together, they engaged in dialogues aimed at transforming Africa’s knowledge landscape and overcoming long-standing imbalances in knowledge production and academic research on the continent.
The event concluded with a shared vision for Africa’s future: “By 2063, Africa shall be a prosperous continent, with the means and resources to drive its own development, underpinned by science, technology, and innovation in a knowledge-based society.”
With Africa projected to house 2.4 billion people by 2050—accounting for one in four people globally (UN DESA)—this demographic shift, along with Africa’s wealth of natural and human resources, underscores the urgent need to mobilize its knowledge systems. By fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative research, Africa can overcome existing barriers and harness its full potential for sustainable development.