Theme: Strengthening the Role of Science, Technology & Innovations for Evidence-based Implementation of the Sendai Framework

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What: 1^st Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AfSTAG) Symposium

Theme: Strengthening the Role of Science, Technology & Innovations for Evidence-based Implementation of the Sendai Framework

When: 10 - 13 November 2025, starting from 9:00 am (UTC+2)

Where: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Who: AU Commission Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

Why:

Africa faces a growing range of natural and human-induced hazards—such as droughts, floods, cyclones, epidemics, and environmenta  degradation—exacerbated by climate change, poor land use, and fragile infrastructure, all of which heighten vulnerability and undermine resilience. Guided by the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), the continent seeks to minimize disaster risks and losses through inclusive, multi-sectoral strategies that strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery. Recognizing the central role of science, technology, and education in achieving resilience, initiatives like the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25) emphasize scientific engagement and capacity building. Platforms such as the African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP) facilitate knowledge sharing and policy alignment among stakeholders. To advance these goals, the African Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AfSTAG-DRR) is convening an inaugural symposium to explore key themes—including climate change, governance, gender inclusion, technology, and multi-hazard early warning systems—aimed at fostering collaboration, research, and innovation for a resilient and secure Africa toward Agenda 2063 and 2030 Agenda.

Objectives

Key objectives of the symposium include:

• Highlighting the essential role of science, technology, and innovation in implementing the Sendai Framework.
• Fostering dialogue between policymakers, scientists, innovators, the private sector, and civil society.
• Identifying gaps and creating actionable recommendations to strengthen the science-policy interface.
• Promoting partnerships for resource mobilization, capacity development, and technology transfer.

Expected Outcomes

The symposium aims to produce several key outcomes to guide future action, including:

1. A formal AfSTAG Declaration on Science and Technology Innovation for DRR.
2. A comprehensive Policy Brief summarizing key deliberations and recommendations.
3. An Action-Oriented Roadmap for advancing DRR in Africa.
4. Strengthened partnerships and networks for DRR across the continent.

Participants

The event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academia and research institutions, government representatives from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and members of the AfSTAG and the African Youth Advisory Board (AYAB).

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org