The African Light Source was presented to the Board of UNESCO’s International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, building on the partnership that UNESCO has long brought to large-scale science in the developing world.
Simon Connell presented the AfLS to the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) Board. UNESCO played a key role in the establishment and support of SESAME, the synchrotron light source in the Middle East, making it a natural and experienced partner for the African initiative.
The meeting was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The IBSP Scientific Board provides advice to the Director-General, especially on the Programme’s activities relating to capacity building in training and research in the basic sciences, science education, and encouraging the use of promising advances in basic and applied sciences to address sustainable development challenges.
CONTEXTWhere the AfLS fits the IBSP mandate
In this context, harnessing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for sustainable development is one of the main themes of the Programme. An additional important aspect is Science Diplomacy — the idea that ambitious shared scientific infrastructure can foster cooperation across borders, exactly as SESAME has done in its region.
It is important that Africa, in a Pan-African context via the African Union, prioritise the AfLS and continue this conversation with UNESCO.
Why UNESCO matters for the AfLS
UNESCO’s experience convening and supporting SESAME — a synchrotron built through international cooperation — offers both a model and a partner for the African Light Source. Sustaining the dialogue with UNESCO, alongside leadership from the African Union, keeps the AfLS positioned within global frameworks for capacity building, science education and science diplomacy.
