CALL FOR SESSION PROPOSALS | Africa Science Diplomacy Conference (ASDC) 2026
Help Shape the Programme of Africa's Inaugural Science Diplomacy Conference
The inaugural Africa Science Diplomacy Conference (ASDC) 2026 has opened a call for session proposals from the African and global science diplomacy community.
Taking place from 30 November to 1 December 2026, the conference will convene policymakers, diplomats, researchers, universities, government representatives, international organisations, funding agencies, civil society and private sector leaders to explore how science diplomacy can strengthen international cooperation and contribute to Africa's sustainable development.
Co-hosted by the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) through the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) initiative, ASDC 2026 aims to position science diplomacy as a strategic enabler of innovation, evidence-based policymaking and global partnerships, while advancing the implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034).
What is the Call Seeking?
The Organising Committee is inviting proposals for engaging, interactive conference sessions that explore the role of science diplomacy in addressing continental and global challenges.
Proposals should stimulate dialogue, promote knowledge exchange and showcase innovative partnerships, emerging trends and practical experiences that strengthen science diplomacy across Africa and beyond.
Strategic Themes
Session proposals should address one or more of the following themes:
- Africa's contribution to global solidarity and multilateral cooperation through science diplomacy
- Science diplomacy as a driver of international collaboration
- Science diplomacy supporting the implementation of STISA 2034
- Global partnerships with and within Africa
- Innovation through science diplomacy
- Emerging priorities shaping the future of science diplomacy
- Science diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world
Cross-Cutting Topics
The conference encourages proposals that integrate:
- Science advice for policy
- Open science
- Indigenous and local knowledge systems
- Research and innovation ecosystems
- Digital transformation and emerging technologies
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Capacity development
- Youth participation
- Gender equality
- Ethics and responsible research and innovation
Suggested Session Formats
Applicants may submit proposals for:
- Panel discussions
- Roundtable discussions
- Interactive dialogue sessions
The conference encourages highly participatory formats that maximise audience engagement and interdisciplinary discussion.
Who Should Submit?
This call is particularly relevant for:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Government departments
- Science councils
- Diplomatic missions
- International organisations
- Multilateral agencies
- Innovation agencies
- Funding organisations
- Civil society organisations
- Private sector organisations
- Think tanks
- Policy institutes
- Youth-led organisations
The Organising Committee encourages diverse participation across geography, gender, career stage and institutional background.
Selection Criteria
Session proposals will be assessed on:
- Alignment with conference objectives and themes
- Originality and relevance
- Quality of the proposed topic
- Potential for audience engagement
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Continental and international relevance
- Diversity of speakers and institutions
- Multi-stakeholder participation
- Potential for broader policy and societal impact
Important Information
Conference Dates
30 November – 1 December 2026
Submission Deadline
31 August 2026
Review Period
August – September 2026
Notification of Successful Proposals
15 September 2026
Venue Format
In-person
Please note that presenters are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
Click HERE to visit the official website.