Dr. Gina El-Feki, Acting President of the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, represented Egypt at the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group meeting held in Bloemfontein, South Africa, from February 23 to 25, 2025. The event was held at the invitation of the G20 presidency.
The meeting focused on several key areas. One of the main topics was fostering international cooperation through the creation of an open digital platform for innovation. This initiative aims to enhance scientific research and global collaboration in addressing shared challenges across various fields. By creating such a platform, the G20 members seek to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources, strengthening their ability to tackle global issues collectively.
Another significant area of discussion was biodiversity coordination. The participants emphasized the need for regional and international collaboration in this field. Special attention was given to building human capacities through training programs and preparing data in line with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) and CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) standards. This approach is crucial to supporting scientific endeavors and achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, which rely heavily on accurate and accessible biodiversity data.
The meeting also explored the establishment of a global biodiversity database. This initiative aims to track progress in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science, technology, and innovation. The proposed database would help monitor advancements in these critical areas and support the formulation of inclusive policies within the G20 countries. By consolidating data from diverse regions, the G20 intends to enhance global efforts in fostering equality and inclusiveness across scientific disciplines.
On the sidelines of the main discussions, an event titled “Women and Girls in Science” was organized to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event focused on combating inequalities in these sectors and encouraged greater participation by women and girls, aiming to address the gender gap that persists in STEM fields globally.
Throughout the meeting, the Egyptian delegation actively participated, showcasing Egypt’s commitment to advancing its science, technology, and innovation landscape. The delegation highlighted Egypt’s National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which is centered around seven key pillars: integration, multidisciplinary approaches, communication, active participation, sustainability, international benchmarks, and entrepreneurship and innovation. This comprehensive strategy is designed to create an inclusive and equitable educational environment while improving the quality and impact of scientific research in Egypt.
As the meeting concluded, participants agreed to hold a series of future meetings, both remotely and in-person in South Africa, to continue the discussions and finalize recommendations. These recommendations will be presented at the G20 Ministerial Meeting in September, marking the next step in the G20’s ongoing efforts to address global challenges through research and innovation.
