HSRC to host a webinar on science diplomacy as a tool for Africa’s global policy engagement

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

Press Release

Online, Tuesday 23 June 2026 – The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) will host a webinar aimed at advancing institutional engagement with science diplomacy, exploring how African researchers and institutions can leverage scientific knowledge to influence global policy negotiations and strengthen international partnerships.

The webinar titled: From Knowledge to Influence: Science Diplomacy as a Tool for Africa’s Global Policy Engagement, will take place on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, from 12h00.

Science diplomacy sits at the intersection of science and foreign or international policy, where scientific collaboration supports diplomatic relations, and diplomatic processes facilitate scientific cooperation and innovation.

It encompasses the use of scientific expertise to inform policy negotiations, promote international partnerships and advance sustainable development objectives.

As the world grapples with complex challenges ranging from climate change and public health threats to artificial intelligence governance and geopolitical uncertainty, science diplomacy is becoming increasingly important in ensuring that African research and evidence contribute meaningfully to global policy debates and multilateral decision-making.

The webinar seeks to deepen participants’ understanding of science diplomacy as a strategic tool for global policy engagement, and to strengthen the Science Diplomacy & Internationalisation Hub’s role as a catalyst for Africa-led international scientific collaboration and influence.

According to the convener, HSRC’s Dr Konosoang Sobane, global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, food insecurity and technological governance transcend national borders and require collaborative, evidence-informed responses.

“In this context, science diplomacy has emerged as a critical mechanism for strengthening cooperation between governments, researchers, policymakers and international institutions in addressing shared global concerns,” said Dr Sobane.

She added that Africa’s role in global science diplomacy is developing. “Institutions such as the HSRC are increasingly recognised as strategic actors in shaping evidence-informed multilateral processes.

“Understanding how scientific knowledge translates into diplomatic influence is therefore not only relevant but essential for African research institutions seeking to lead rather than follow in global policy arenas,” she said.

The objectives of the webinar are:

To contextualise science diplomacy within current geopolitical dynamics, examining the three-part framework (science in diplomacy, diplomacy for science, science for diplomacy) and its application in the African context.
Analyse global and African trends shaping the science diplomacy landscape, with a focus on Africa’s evolving role as a strategic actor rather than a passive participant.
Illustrate how HSRC Research intersects with diplomatic processes
Identify opportunities for strengthening international partnerships, global research networks, and policy influence through science diplomacy.
Stimulate institutional dialogue on building strategic capacity in science diplomacy to support HSRC’s internationalisation agenda.

As scientific and technological developments increasingly influence geopolitical dynamics, there is a growing need for policymakers, researchers and practitioners to understand how science can effectively contribute to global governance and multilateral decision-making processes.

The event will bring together HSRC researchers and programme leads; early-career scientists and postdoctoral fellows; policy analysts and knowledge brokers; and International development and policy organisations.

The session moderator will be Dr Konosoang Sobane (Human Sciences Research Council)

Speakers include:

• Keynote: Dr Natisha Dukhi (Human Sciences Research Council)

• Dr Kwaku Asante-Darko (science diplomacy specialist)

• Dr Thomas Juma (University of Kabianga, Kenya)

Details of the event

Date: 24 June 2026

Time: 12h00 – 14h00

Venue: Online via Zoom

Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/g39yJntSQa2gCeiY91ZY4Q

For media enquiries, please contact Adziliwi Nematandani: Cell: +27 82 765 9191 Email: anematandani@hsrc.ac.za

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Notes to the editor

About the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

Established in 1968, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is South Africa’s statutory research agency and the largest dedicated social science and humanities research institute on the African continent. The HSRC generates evidence and insights that inform public policy, support development and improve lives. Through high-quality research, strategic partnerships and research capacity development, the Council contributes to evidence-informed decision-making in South Africa, Africa and globally.

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www.hsrc.ac.za