Three University of Cape Town (UCT) students will share their ideas at the Geneva Scientific and Diplomacy Predictors (GESDA) Science and Diplomacy Predictions Summit in Switzerland this October, inviting scientists and thought leaders from around the world. surprise people.

Rejoice Kgabo Legodi, a student studying film and media. Bekithemba Ntoni, MSc student in International Relations. Niel Swanepoel, who received an honors degree in political communication from UCT last year, will be heading to Geneva for the summit, which will take place October 12-14. The summit is expected to bring together over 600 international thought leaders in the field of science diplomacy and expose students to influential figures in academia, diplomacy, influence and civic communities. increase.

One of the three, the winner of the UCT-GESDA Science Youth Anticipation Initiative is yet to be determined, but will participate in the final high-level plenary with young delegates from other continents.

“This partnership with GESDA is an opportunity to shine a light on African thinking and is committed to closing the widening inequality gap.”

Legodi, Ntoni, and Swanepoel were selected based on submissions applying the GESDA 2021 Science Breakthrough Radar thinking. The GESDA 2021 Science Breakthrough Radar applies his breakthrough predictions for the next 5, 10 and 25 years in 24 science and technology areas to local conditions. The call for the contest came at the end of a weekly discussion series on the theme of “Using the Science of the Future to Shape the Present,” held by UCT in July and August at the invitation of GESDA. I was.

UCT Vice Chancellor Professor Mamogeti Paken, who is also a member of the GESDA Board of Directors, hopes that GESDA will gather unique scientific perspectives and information while finalists will benefit from the sharing of knowledge from young people around the world. I said I was.

“The three finalists represent the future that UCT is building, engaging young people in applying science to solutions. It is an opportunity to address and work to close the widening inequality gap,” Phakeng said.

Dr Marga Gual Soler, Head of Science Diplomacy Capacity Building at GESDA, added: Neurotechnology and new decarbonized materials affect people, society and the planet. Current leaders and policy makers have to deal with the emergence of today’s new technologies and scientific advances, but they also need to ensure that the scientific forecasting work they do at GESDA works for future generations. is essential. To facilitate this intergenerational dialogue, we look forward to welcoming UCT students alongside young leaders from other regions as they begin their educational and career paths. ”

biogas from manure

Legody turned to alternative energy sources for her ideas.

“My idea is biogas made from food waste…it’s a renewable natural gas, made from cow dung and food waste, so it’s later used by farmers as an organic fertilizer. Coming from a rural background, biogas can benefit people in many ways, not just creating employment opportunities for homes and businesses that previously had no biogas. Because it can be produced and is cheap to set up, a business that produces biogas can be profitable,” she wrote in the entry.

She is currently taking a short course in Film and Media Studies remotely from Mumotongga Mokkokon, Limpopo. While arranging her attendance, Legody prepares her speaker questions and her 30-second elevator pitch.

“My aim is to meet people with the same mindset and goals and seize the opportunity to eventually present my idea of ​​biogas starting from cow dung and manure. and present my innovations to potential funders. I feel that this summit will open many doors and opportunities for me and the world,” she said.

Using satellites to inform rural communities about climate change

Ntoni proposed that space resources such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites could be used to monitor geological and climatic events.

“Particularly because of historical spatial planning, Africa and South Africa have many communities (rural and urban) at risk of being adversely affected by climate events caused by global warming. Many of the communities are either ill-equipped for resilience or located in endemic hazardous areas, posing a persistent threat to many livelihoods,” he said.

“Space resources anticipate and harness the technological power of these contraptions to help people by warning, via satellite communication tools, to governments, agencies, and people to prepare or evacuate to designated areas. It mitigates such risks and guarantees the protection of human lives and infrastructure because it can protect safety.”

“I am excited about how important it is to fund and support projects in the global South, and how outer space can be a conduit to achieve some of these objectives. We are raising awareness.”

The International Relations student is currently in the final year of her Master of Science degree. Ahead of the event, he will read key speakers and prepare to share his research on the importance of science diplomacy.

“I would like to share with you how important it is to fund and support projects in the global South, and how outer space can be a conduit to achieve some of these objectives. Overall, it emphasizes that space is not a vanity project, but a region that should be actively engaged in understanding its utility for tackling climate change and promoting development. The purpose is that.”

Managing Africa’s Digital Commons

Swanepoel looked to Africa’s digital commons as a submission.

““Commons” refers to resources or areas that belong to or affect an entire community. I argue that better integration can be achieved through a long-term strategy that starts with managing Africa’s digital commons well. Ensuring a safe and well-regulated cyberspace for Africa lays the foundation for a data-driven economy and efficient digital public services, fosters inclusive development and fosters intercontinental cooperation. can do. In my strategy, the Digital Commons is a piece of the puzzle that leverages other emerging technology solutions,” he said.

Having recently completed a UN internship in Namibia in preparation for the summit, Swanepoel is no stranger to GESDA work.

“To maximize the utility of the Summit and ensure that investments in GESDA and UCT are repaid, it is important to proactively find synergies and mutual concerns. [have] Made for me to attend this wonderful occasion. We are also refining and sharpening our proposal ideas for the management of digital commons in Africa. ”