Ethical science, evidence-based policymaking and the role of technology in society dominated discussions at today’s G20 Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable (CSAR), hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and its entity, the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI).
Delivering a message of support, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, warned against the misuse of science, recalling its role in justifying apartheid and cautioning against similar patterns in current global conflicts.
“Science and technology are not inherently neutral or democratic – they must be understood as extensions of social relations. Advice must not only meet rigorous scientific standards, but also adhere to the highest moral and ethical principles,” he said.
He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to evidence-driven public policy, noting DSTI’s new mantra: “Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Society, and Industry.”
The Roundtable, themed “Equity-based science, technology and innovation for inclusive human development and global sustainability”, continues tomorrow with the UNESCO-led Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Forum, to be chaired by Nzimande. The programme will conclude on 23 September with the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting, where the Tshwane Declaration is set to be adopted.
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