Alliance for Science hosts Future of Science Communication forum in Nairobi

This milestone event not only celebrates the organization’s achievements but also heralds a new phase of growth, broadening its scope to tackle pressing global challenges, including food systems transformation, climate action, and improved health communication.

For the past ten years, the Alliance for Science has led efforts to promote the understanding and acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. Now, leveraging this expertise, the organization is expanding its mandate to combat misinformation and foster informed decision-making across critical scientific and technological fields.

In his keynote speech, Dr Mathew Prempeh, former Energy Minister of Ghana, underscored the pivotal role of education in sustainability: “Environmental sustainability starts with education. Prioritizing mainstream science from an early age equips future generations to champion sustainable development.”

Dr. Sheila Obim, Executive Director of the Alliance for Science and a leading voice at the forum, highlighted the urgency of countering misinformation: “We live in an era where misinformation and disinformation pose some of the greatest threats to science and progress. The overwhelming volume of misleading content can drown out rational discourse and hinder innovation. To counter this, we must build a strong global network of allies dedicated to fighting misinformation.”

Prof. Karim Maredia, Director of International Programs at Michigan State University, outlined the ambitious vision of the forum: “Our goal is to establish a global network of over 100,000 science communication champions, serving as ambassadors for science, technology, and innovation to eliminate misinformation.”

Amb. Phillip Thigo, Special Envoy for Technology for the Republic of Kenya, emphasized the complexities of combating misinformation in the digital age: “Technology is a cultural construct; it doesn’t exist in isolation. Many AI tools are not neutral, and misinformation cannot be tackled with a single solution.”

The forum will highlight the role of science and technology in addressing global issues such as food security, health security, nutrition security, energy security, and building climate-resilient food systems.

Key objectives of the forum include celebrating achievements by reflecting on a decade of success in strengthening global science communication, strengthening collaborations by exploring partnership opportunities in initiatives aimed at combating misinformation in food security, health, and climate change, and exploring emerging technologies by examining the potential of Quantum AI and its impact on science communication, diplomacy, and global systems.

The conference will feature thought-provoking sessions on amplifying science voices in the Global South, challenging misinformation in the age of AI, and energy, environment, and the future of science communication: trends, drivers, and signals from the Global South.