Examining role of science in attaining sustainable development goals

For the first time, over 300 scientists will be gathered on February 4 and 5, 2020, at the Multipurpose Hall, University of Lagos, to examine role of science in attaining sustainable development goals.

The Scientific Conference will be under the auspices of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS). The theme of the meeting is, “The Role of Science in Attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Executive Secretary, NAS, Dr. M. Oladoyin Odubanjo, told journalists that the conference is framed around five sub-themes: Science for poverty reduction; Revitalising Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education; Innovations for health; Energy solutions and environmental sustainability; and Ensuring food security in Nigeria.

Odubanjo said the conference would feature a few invited presentations, alongside several oral and poster presentations of original research.He said the SDGs intended to be achieved by year 2030, provide guidelines for nations around the world to ensure that their citizens are assured of sustained socioeconomic growth, and a better future.

Odubanjo said many of the goals including climate change, food security, health, energy, are entrenched in science and innovation and as part of the Academy’s mission to promote original scientific research, and to disseminate scientific information concerning issues of national relevance, the NAS is holding its first scientific conference, to discuss how science can facilitate the achievement of the SDGs.

The scientists said the conference will showcase original scientific research and discoveries, disseminate scientific information concerning issues of national relevance, create a platform to discuss scientific issues of societal significance, and foster networking and collaboration among Nigerian scientists towards better research and innovation.