More than 270 participants gathered in Maputo, Mozambique, 21–24 October, for the 29th ICSU General Assembly (GA) – the first time an ICSU GA has been held in sub-Saharan Africa. Hosted by the Scientific Research Association of Mozambique (AICIMO) under the auspices of the Government of Mozambique and in cooperation with the ICSU Regional Office for Africa, the event was a great success, with delegates enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the local hosts.
During the Opening Ceremony, H.E. Armando Emilio Guebuza, the President of Mozambique, outlined some of the challenges facing his country due to global climate change, while Goverdhan Mehta, ICSU President, reflected on ICSU’s achievements in implementing its first ever Strategic Plan (2006–2011). At the conclusion of the GA, Catherine Bréchignac assumed the ICSU Presidency, and, in her Incoming Presidential Address, discussed the challenge of sustainable development and highlighted the definitive link between science and technology.
The 29th GA also saw all three ICSU Regional Offices participating for the first time since their establishment (Africa attended Suzhou, China in 2005). The Chairs of the Regional Committees presented the important achievements of their Regional Office to the Assembly, while the Directors of the Regional Offices outlined their activities and priorities at the National Members and Unions Fora. |
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