The 2022 summit of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO) is underway at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West.
The event is jointly hosted by the North-West University (NWU) and Stellenbosch University, and brings together key research and innovation stakeholders from across the world. The WAITRO 2022 summit is inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 17 of the United Nations, titled Partnership for the Goals.
The NWU is WAITRO’s regional focal point in Africa.
Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, WAITRO president, president of the Royal Scientific Society and UNESCO special envoy for Science for Peace, opened the proceedings and reiterated WAITRO’s commitment to building a better, safer and more sustainable world. She also emphasised the importance of collaboration between all of WAITRO’s more than 130 global members.
Professor Nnenesi Kgabi, Director: Research Support at the NWU, welcomed attending members on behalf of Dr Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU.
She stated that, through the NWU’s research, teaching and learning as well as community engagement initiatives the NWU is geared towards addressing global needs.
In welcoming everyone to the summit Professor Kgabi said that research, innovation and technology are at the core of socio-economic advancement. “The NWU is committed to ensuring that we deliver students who embody these virtues. Through our world-class research we seek to delve deeper and to learn more, and I am proud to say that the NWU’s association with WAITRO is shaping a better future for all. May our partnership endure and may generations to come reap the benefits of this. I also want to express gratitude to WAITRO for the superlative work they are doing to promote the importance of research, technology and innovation. Knowledge is an indispensable resource, and through your hard work you are ensuring that our stocks are never depleted. For that, the NWU appreciates you.”
The summit brings together experts from around the globe to engage in addressing some of the world’s most pressing developmental issues. One such expert is Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, former president of the Indian National Science Academy and the Global Research Alliance. In his keynote address he stated that innovation, inclusion and resilience are the three words that hold the key to adapting to a post-Covid-19 world.
Professor Nnenesi Kgabi addressing the 2022 WAITRO summit attendees.
