Bridging Worlds of Knowledge – Promoting Endogenous Knowledge Development

The International Network for Governmental Science Advice - INGSA2024

SATELLITE EVENT

3 May, 2024

Bridging Worlds of Knowledge – Promoting Endogenous Knowledge Development

Organised by the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC)

The event aims to explore the integration of endogenous knowledge systems into scientific research, policy development, and decision-making. It seeks to foster an understanding of the value of transdisciplinarity in harnessing diverse knowledge sources for the benefit of science, policy, and humanity. Moreover, the pannel will encourage dialogue on best practices, challenges, and opportunities in building bridges between academic and non-academic knowledge domains. This session will enlighten a deeper understanding of the transformative power of transdisciplinary research, promoting the integration of endogenous knowledge into science advice, policy-making, and societal transformation.

Panellists

Manssour Bin Mussallam

Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC)

Prof. Hirut Woldemarian

OSC Under-Secretary-General for Research, Evaluation, and Foresight (REEF)

Professor Hirut Woldemariam Teketel is an accomplished Ethiopian scholar and public servant. She earned her PhD from the Institute of African Studies at the University of Cologne in Germany and has authored and co-authored numerous publications in her field. She is a member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences and has served on the editorial boards of international scientific journals. Professor Hirut previously served as Vice President of Addis Ababa University. She has also held three ministerial positions in the Ethiopian government, serving as Minister of Culture and Tourism, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and Minister of Science and Higher Education. The University of Oslo awarded Professor Hirut an honorary doctoral degree in recognition of her contributions to academia and society.

Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou

President of the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), The Chair (2023-2024) of the OSC Conference of Associate Members

Proffesor Norbert Hounkonnou is Chair of the Conference of Associate Members of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation. He is also the President of the Network of African Science Academies, and Professor of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin Republic. His scholarly work deals with noncommutative and nonlinear mathematics, on which he has published books and over 200 research papers and international conference proceedings. Prof. Hounkonnou has been a member and chair of numerous international scientific and educational boards and commissions, and he was awarded a series of recognitions for the excellence of his work such as the Prize of the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in 1996, the Tokyo University of Science President Award in 2015, and the 2016 World Academy of Sciences C. N. R. Rao Prize for Scientific Research “for his incisive work on noncommutative and nonlinear mathematics and his contributions to world-class mathematics education”, the American Institute of Physics 2023 Tate Medal, and the 2023 Yang Hui Award “for his seminal contributions to the deformed quantum algebras”. He is also a contributor to the Global Guide of Ethics, Principles, Policies, and Practices in Balanced and Inclusive Education.

Dr. Alice Karekezi

PhD from the School of Global Studies, University of Göteborg focused on decolonizing international norm construction and a Master's Degree from the University Aix-Marseille III

Dr. Alice Karekezi a scholarly practitioner holds a PhD from the School of Global Studies, University of Göteborg focused on decolonizing international norm construction and a Master’s Degree from the University Aix-Marseille III. Karekezi, a member of the Scientific Committee of the Council for the Development of Social Sciences Research in Africa, her research investigates the pre-emergence phase of an internationalized norm by focusing on traditional justice system focusing on Rwanda’s creation of Gacaca. Karekezi argues that the Gacaca pioneered the “traditional” transitional justice norm. It thus addresses a Western-centric bias, evident in the neglect of norms originating and norm entrepreneurs from the Global South and an under-specification of the early life of a potential international norm. Post/decolonial lenses serve to make norm creation from the Global South thinkable. Her work calls for countries from the Global South to initiate practices rooted in local traditions that ultimately give birth to new norms in the conduct of international relations.

Dr. Wahid Majrooh, MD, MA, MSc, MAS

Former Minister of Health – Afghanistan. Founder & Executive Director, Afghanistan Center for Health and Peace

Dr. Wahid Majrooh is a distinguished leader in public health and diplomacy, renowned for his pivotal role as the Former Minister of Health in Afghanistan. With a wealth of experience spanning various sectors, he has served in key positions both domestically and internationally, including as Deputy Minister for Healthcare Service Delivery and Senior International Relations Advisor.

Dr. Majrooh holds a Medical Doctor (MD) degree and possesses three Master’s degrees in Global Health Policy, Political Science, and International Security. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of fields such as leadership, strategic management, global health, and international relations. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in crisis management, particularly evident during his tenure as Health Minister amid the COVID-19 pandemic and political upheaval in Afghanistan.

Despite daunting challenges, Dr. Majrooh remained steadfast in his commitment to delivering healthcare services to underserved communities, even amidst conflict and adversity. His unwavering dedication was exemplified by his decision to remain in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s assumption of power in August 2021, ensuring the continuity of essential health services at great personal risk.

Dr. Majrooh’s contributions extend beyond governmental roles; he is also actively involved in advocacy and capacity-building initiatives. Notably, in response to the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education, he initiated online training programs to empower Afghan women and girls. Furthermore, he founded the Afghanistan Center for Health and Peace Studies, based in Geneva, to further promote health and peace in conflict and fragile settings.

Recognized for his expertise and leadership, Dr. Majrooh has served on prestigious international boards, including the World Health Organization’s Executive Board (2021 – 2024) and GAVI. His current role as an Academic Fellow at the Geneva Humanitarian Studies Center underscores his dedication to advancing research on health system resilience and fostering sustainable solutions to complex global challenges.

Prof. Abdeljalil Akkari

Professor of International and Comparative Education, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Prof. Abdeljalil Akkari is Professor of International Dimensions of Education at the Faculty of Psychology and Education of the University of Geneva, and formerly Dean for research at the Higher Pedagogical Institute HEP-BEJUNE (Bienne, Switzerland). He received his PhD at the University of Geneva in 1992. He worked as professor of education at the universities of Geneva, Fribourg, and Baltimore. Prof. Akkari’s major publications include studies on educational planning, multicultural education, teacher training, and educational inequalities. His main research interests focus on teacher education and the reforms of educational systems in a comparative perspective. He is an expert on different educational projects in various countries: Switzerland, USA, Brazil, Tunisia, Algeria, Irak, and Madagascar. Prof. Akkari is a contributor to the Global Guide of Ethics, Principles, Policies, and Practices in Balanced and Inclusive Education.

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Must be submitted to the OSC by 19 April 2024

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