NAN-H-44
Ambassadors
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, Feb. 24, 2017 (NAN) The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) will on Friday inaugurate the search for 54 Science and Technology Ambassadors, selecting one champion from each African country.
Mr Mimi Kalinda, the Director of Communications African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) made this known in a statement.
Kalinda said that the selected NEF ambassadors would join the NEF Fellows Class as part of the NEF’s Community of Scientists.
“NEF Ambassadors will attend the NEF’s signature event, the NEF Global Gathering, the second edition of which will be held in March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.
“They will have the opportunity to network with emerging and world renowned scientists and technology leaders.
“As well as industry and policy leaders at an innovative gathering that will focus on how science and technology can solve global challenges, boost sustainable growth and accelerate human development,’’ he said.
Kalinda also said that the NEF Global Gathering 2016 held in Senegal was a resounding success, primarily because 60 per cent of the participants were young emerging scientists and technologists.
“The NEF Ambassadors, who are part of the NEF Community of Scientists, will bring a fresh, local perspective, in addition to their growing expertise in science and technology.
“ NEF Ambassadors will represent their countries and the continent on a global stage, championing science-driven growth and development,” said Mr Thierry Zomahoun, Chairperson of the NEF and President and CEO of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS).
“NEF Ambassadors should be residents of an African country under 42 years of age and have completed advanced studies in science, technology or have significant entrepreneurial achievements.
“They should also have a track record of leadership in their community, be passionate about promoting science and technology, and have an active online profile and following.
“NEF Ambassadors drive the NEF’s local public engagement activities while growing their own careers through the NEF’s partnerships that offer opportunities for mentorship and collaborations with established researchers,” said Dr Youssef Travaly, NEF Director of Programmes and Content.
He said that applications are available at www.NEF.org/ambassadors and would be received until 26 May 2017.
He added that the final list of NEF Ambassadors would be published in September 2017.
He said that Einstein Forum launched in 2013 had been endorsed by the African Union Commission, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Governments of Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa, the African Academy of Sciences (AAS).
It said that the forum had also been endorsed by a growing number of private sector and civil society partners from across the world that are passionate about positioning Africa’s scientific community as an influential member in the global scientific community.
Travaly said endorsement would ensure sustainable human development in Africa and other parts of the world.
The statement said the African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) initiative in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, is Africa’s global platform for science and technology.
“The NEF unites outstanding thinkers and distinguished stakeholders from around the world together in Africa in biennial Global Gatherings with the first NEF Global gathering.
“The global gathering was held in March 2016 under the patronage of Mr Macky Sall, the President of the Republic of Senegal,” it said.
The statement said that the NEF Global gathering, held every two years with the 2016 having over 1000 participants and 50 per cent participants under the age of 42, has 40 per cent women. (NAN)
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Edited by Grace Yussuf