Name: Indigenous Knowledge for Global Health Solutions; Harnessing African Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, and Policy Development for Equitable Impact
Start: 2024-09-20T11:00:00-0400
End: 2024-09-20T14:00:00-0400

SCIENCE SUMMIT 2024: 17 - 27 September, New York

This Programme exclusively outlines the Science Summit events in New York from September 17th to 27th.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
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Friday September 20, 2024 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT

Science Summit venue (12th floor)

Open Zoom

Abstract
This session will explore the critical role of African Indigenous medical knowledge in transforming global healthcare, particularly in the context of the post-2030 UN agenda and the forthcoming Summit of the Future. As the WHO’s Traditional Medicines Strategy 2025–2034 calls for integrating traditional medicines into global health frameworks, this session highlights Indigenous knowledge's untapped potential in driving sustainable healthcare innovations, especially from Africa. Participants will delve into Indigenous medical practices' rich history and current applications while examining how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are co-creating new pathways for health discoveries.

Experts from academia, policy, Indigenous communities, and industry will showcase real-world case studies highlighting the ethical, practical, and policy-driven aspects of merging Indigenous and technological knowledge systems. A central focus will be presenting an upcoming white paper developed by Landcent and partners, which outlines a comprehensive policy framework for protecting and integrating Indigenous knowledge into national and global health systems. This white paper will provide actionable recommendations on data sovereignty, access and benefit-sharing, and equitable involvement of Indigenous communities in policy development.

These frameworks are vital for ensuring that Indigenous knowledge is recognized as a resource and a foundational element in the co-creation of future healthcare solutions. The session aligns with the UN's six key transitions for sustainable development, emphasizing equitable healthcare access, resilient food systems, and science and technology innovation. It will also address how these Indigenous-led solutions can contribute to WHO's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by embedding Indigenous perspectives into global health policy. Policymakers, researchers, and funders will be urged to invest in frameworks that respect Indigenous data governance, ensuring that the benefits of these healthcare innovations are shared equitably with the communities at their origin.

Speakers

Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations., United Nations University

Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala is the Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Prior to taking up the role of UNU Rector on 1 March 2023, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (South... Read More →

Dominic Forson (convenor)

Digital & Technology Innovation Lead, Landcent

Dominic Forson is a results-oriented data and product/project management specialist with a proven track record of building and scaling data-driven solutions for complex challenges and managing multimillion-dollar data projects for leading brands, including Merck, BMW, Roche, JP Morgan... Read More →

Motlalepula Matsabisa

Professor and Pharmacology IKS Research Director, University of the Free State, South Africa

Prof Matsabisa is currently the Director of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (Health) Lead Programme (IKS) within the Department of Pharmacology, School of Clinical Medicine, and Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State. Prof Matsabisa is a Guest Professor at... Read More →

Mosoka P. Fallah, PhD, MPH, MA,

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

Dr. Mosoka Fallah is the Acting Director for the Science and Innovation Directorate at Africa CDC, focusing on enhancing health security and innovation across Africa. He is dedicated to transforming Africa’s R&D and clinical trial landscape through strategic financing, effective... Read More →

Arun Prabhu

CEO, Landcent Europe B.V.

Arun is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing health equity in underserved communities, with a particular focus on combating Neglected and Poverty-Associated Diseases. As Co-founder and CEO at Landcent, he spearheads initiatives to develop and deliver innovative products and solutions... Read More →

Peter Atadja, Ph.D.

Landcent

Peter is an accomplished and visionary leader in drug discovery with over 25 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry. He has demonstrated high productivity in both start-up and mature environments and is currently serving as the Chief Scientific Officer at Landcent... Read More →

Ben Dotsei Malor

United Nations

Ben Dotsei Malor is currently the Chief Editor of Dailies, United Nations News under the Department of Global Communications in New York. His expertise, experience and accomplishments span the fields of international broadcasting, journalism, media and public information, speechwriting... Read More →

H. E. Amb. Cessouma Minata Samete

African Union

H.E. Amb. Minata SAMATE CESSOUMA is the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development. She is a native of Burkina Faso with over thirty (30) years of experience in international relations, Diplomacy, Governance and peace and security, humanitarian and social... Read More →

Magdalena Skipper, PhD.

Nature Research (Publishing)

As Editor in Chief, Magdalena leads Nature’s magazine and research editorial teams. A geneticist by training, she has considerable editorial and publishing experience: having started in Nature Publishing Group in 2001, she was Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Genetics, Senior Editor... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Science Summit venue (12th floor) 345 Park Avenue South, New York, NY, USA

Indigenous Knowledge