Africa and Europe should navigate global transitions together, UCD forum hears

11 March 2026

_{Former Irish President Mary Robinson and Professor Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Credit: Jason Clarke Photography}

Africa and Europe face a future of profound climate, digital, economic and social change. Meeting these global transitions will require both regions to act together with shared purpose, shared agency and stronger cooperation in science, technology and innovation. 

This is according to a high-level roundtable of international leaders in science, policy and research working towards strengthening cooperation between Ireland and South Africa.

Former Irish President Mary Robinson was one of the speakers at the forum hosted by University College Dublin. Other participants included Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and Professor Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The roundtable explored the role of Africa–Europe cooperation in mobilising global resources for research and innovation, particularly in areas such as climate action, sustainable energy, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing.

When it comes to future cooperation, the forum proposed expanding participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme; Accelerating progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; Strengthening support for African technology entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa; and developing new collaborations in emerging sectors including green hydrogen, climate-smart agriculture and digital public infrastructure.

The forum also emphasised the importance of African leadership in shaping global science agendas and ensuring that research investment supports sustainable development.

_{Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University Credit: Jason Clarke Photography}

Outcomes from the event are expected to inform future joint research initiatives and contribute to international discussions on science diplomacy and global innovation financing ahead of the Science Summit at the United Nations General Assembly.

The roundtable was arranged by UCD alongside the Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Platform (AERAP) and the Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF),

UCD hosts over 450 students from 33 African countries and maintains active partnerships with several universities and research institutions across the continent.

Building partnerships, strengthening research collaboration and deepening engagement with African institutions is a key element of the University’s Breaking Boundaries strategy and its Africa Engagement Strategy 2023–2028.

Representatives from Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Research Ireland also participated in the discussions.

By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie