Kigali, 15 June 2023: The African Continental Conference on Basic Sciences for Transformation organized by UNESCO in partnership with MINEDUC as one of the conferences of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD) took place in Kigali.

The two-day conference from 13 to 14 June 2023, was graced by international delegates notably senior representatives of UNESCO, TWAS, ICTP, and OWSD, scientists and researchers including early career scientists from Rwanda and region with the main objective to demonstrate developing science and technology will support economic growth, including increased trade and investment opportunities to support the growth of regional economies and the creation of job opportunities.

In her opening remarks at the African Conference on Basic Sciences for Transformation, Minister of Education Hon. Dr. Valentine Uwamariya said that the focus of this conference is on the transformative effect of Basic Sciences and their importance in the development of Rwanda and the entire continent of Africa.

Hon. Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Minister of Education

"Basic science plays a crucial role in the development of society and the advancement of human knowledge which in turn contributes to, and benefits, the development of many important aspects of our life including energy, environment, and agriculture”.

Hon. Dr. Uwamariya added that many of the revolutionary inventions and developments we enjoy today, such as electricity, telecommunications, computers, and modern medicine, are a direct result of basic scientific research through discoveries and new technologies.

Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Gaspard Twagirayezu said that the conference showed that there is enormous potential in the power of basic sciences for Africa's future development and they can bring solutions to many of the challenges facing Africa and the world including climate change, food security and others.

Hon. Gaspard Twagirayezu, Minister of State in charge of Primary & Secondary Education

The conference brought together delegates from local educational institutions, as well as representatives from international organizations including UNESCO, the World Academy of Sciences, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, U.S.A.

Professor Romain Murenzi, representing the president of the World Academy of Sciences, highlighted that investments in basic sciences not only contribute to economic development but also foster stable and peaceful societies in Africa. Murenzi emphasized the critical thinking skills acquired through basic sciences education, which are essential for building a society that understands its history and vision.

Prof. Romain Murenzi, Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences

Amal Kasry, UNESCO’s Chief of Section in Basic Sciences, Research Innovation, and Engineering in the Natural Sciences Sector said that strengthening basic sciences in Africa is crucial for addressing current challenges in fields like healthcare and energy resources. Kasry emphasized that basic science serves as the foundation for applied research, enabling the development of techniques and applications to tackle various challenges such as water and climate change mitigation.

During the conference, there will also be a parallel session presenting Hands-On training tools for teachers and students featuring Microscience Kits; AI Robotics; Virtual Reality Lab for Chemistry from Chemists Without Borders, and various national exhibitors working in this field.