Side Event

Enhancing Scientific Collaboration to Advance STI in Africa’s International Centers of Excellence

Convener：Amos T. Kabo Bah, Elijah Phiri, Kamal Labbassi, 

Contact person：ZeeshanShirazi

Description: 
The year 2025 marks the mid-point of the “Decade of Action” for the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. Various countries around the world are working to formulate policies to facilitate the process of sustainability in economic, social and environmental aspects. Technological developments, in particular the rapid digital transformation since past decade hold tremendous potential in enabling innovative solutions to challenges of sustainable development. African nations face unique and varied sustainability challenges.
 

Scientific collaboration plays a pivotal role in accelerating the uptake of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). As key hubs for research and capacity development, DBAR ICoEs in Africa are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between knowledge creation and practical application, yet they often face systemic challenges including fragmented networks, limited funding, and infrastructure constraints. This review examines how strategic partnerships among African ICoEs, governments, industry, and global research institutions can enhance STI adoption to address local and continental priorities, from climate resilience to public health.
 

To improve STI cooperation, several key actions are recommended. First, the development of shared digital platforms is essential to enable open science and facilitate seamless data exchange across borders. These platforms can foster greater collaboration, transparency, and inclusiveness in research efforts. Second, implementing joint funding mechanisms will help scale high-impact research by pooling resources and aligning priorities among international partners. Third, the establishment of policy frameworks that incentivize cross-border innovation is critical for sustaining long-term STI collaboration. Additionally, DBAR ICoEs should be empowered to leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and remote sensing, through sustained capacity development programs. This will help overcome traditional barriers, accelerate progress in priority areas, enhance the role of digital technologies in policy development, and support the emergence of a commercial market for data and AI in Africa. 

Key words: Digital Sciences; Remote sensing. STI; Science Collaboration; ICoE; 

GEOCRl-HiMAC Side Event on Future Earth Intelligence

Convener：Massimo Menenti, SHI JianCheng, Yubao QIU

Contact person：LI Xiaoting

Description: 

The GEO Cold Regions Initiative (GEOCRI) aims to address the challenges posed by climate change in the world's cold regions, affecting water resources, ecosystems, infrastructure, and sustainable development, where effective responses have long been constrained by a lack of observations and data services, and through international collaboration. This session focuses on the GEOCRI post-2025 (2025-2030) strategic plan, which centers on the deep integration of Earth Observation (EO) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to dramatically improve scientific understanding, management, and operational efficiency in the cold regions. Key initiatives include: developing AI-driven online computing capabilities for data processing, predictive modeling, and filling temporal and spatial gaps; developing standards for high-quality data products on essential cold-region variables (ECRVs) to meet resource management and hazard prediction needs; and optimizing information services to provide easier-to-use visualization and analytical tools to support multi-stakeholder decision-making. In addition, GEOCRI will expand user participation, strengthen collaboration with international agencies and scientific programs, and plan to establish an international scientific committee to provide high-level scientific guidance. Through these efforts, GEOCRI is committed to providing critical geo-smart solutions for cold regions, enhancing climate change resilience, and serving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Earth Observation for Geological Disaster Prevention

Convener：DAI Keren, Chengdu University of Technology

Contact person：DAI Keren

Venue: Chengdu University of Technology
Description: 
TBD

Advancing Sustainability through Digital Science and Innovation in SEA

Convener：Gretchen Kalonji, Monthip Sriratana, Xue Wenchao, JIA Guogiang

Contact person：JIA Guogiang

Description: 

Southeast Asia faces critical challenges in achieving sustainable development, including climate change, natural resource management, urbanization, and environmental degradation. At the same time, the region holds immense potential to leverage digital science and innovation to address these pressing issues. This session will focus on identifying current efforts, pinpointing challenges, and fostering stronger regional networks and cooperation in applying digital solutions for sustainable development.
 

The session will explore diverse strategies adopted by Southeast Asian nations to harness advanced digital tools such as AI, big data, and geospatial technologies for tackling shared sustainability challenges. It will highlight gaps in collaboration, data sharing, and technological capacity that hinder progress, while proposing actionable pathways to enhance regional cooperation and maximize the impact of digital innovations.
 

By convening experts, policymakers, and practitioners, this session will not only share best practices but also inspire transformative partnerships. The outcomes will pave the way for integrating digital science into sustainable development strategies, ensuring long-term benefits for Southeast Asia and its communities.