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 meeting was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The Scientific Board provides advice to the Director-General, especially on IBSP’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.

In this context, harnessing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education for sustainable development is one of the main themes. An additional important aspect is Science Diplomacy.

It is important that Africa, in a Pan African context via the Africa Union, prioritise the AfLS and continue this conversation with UNESCO.