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Inside Education Reporter
THE first Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chongqing, China earlier this month is an historic occasion, while celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road partnership, with this first dedicated event to focus on the strategic role science and technology should play, to accelerate, deepen and expand Belt and Road cooperation.
“South Africa is privileged to be part of the Belt and Road,” said Minister of Higher Education, Science Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande.
“At a time when international solidarity and multilateralism is under attack through the unilateral, biased, and selfish action by some,
ensuring global governance is enhanced to become truly inclusive and more responsive to the concerns of developing countries, deserves our urgent attention. Science, technology and innovation can and should play a critical role to help us achieve this objective,” Nzimande added.
“Scientific and technological cooperation is an important part of Belt and Road cooperation. China will carry forward the Silk Road
spirit characterized by peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, implement the Belt
and Road Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan in an in-depth manner.
“Advance international exchanges in scientific and technological innovation, and work with other countries to jointly tap into the potential for innovative growth, unlock the potential of innovative cooperation, strengthen partnerships on innovation, promote the delivery of innovation outcomes to the greater benefit of people of all the countries, boost the high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation, and promote the building of a human community with a shared future.”
Nzimande said of the most serious challenges currently posed to global security is the lack of inclusive global governance, meaningfully involving developing countries, of disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
He said South Africa therefore welcomes and strongly supports China’s proposal for a new Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence Governance.
“I would therefore like to propose that we launch a dedicated programme to support transnational research and innovation cooperation between Belt and Road partners.
“South Africa stands ready to contribute to such an initiative, by for example sharing the experience gained by entities such as our National Research Foundation and Technology Innovation Agency.
“Let us believe in our ability to change the future, let us change the future to truly make it a better world for all, and let us accomplish our task to develop the Belt and Road science, technology and innovation partnership.”
INSIDE EDUCATION