Strengthening African partnerships in Ghana and Ivory Coast

From 2–4 July 2025, Lips participated in the high-level conference Unpacking the Pact for the Future: Imperatives for Advancing Scientific Cooperation with Africa in Accra, Ghana. Hosted by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), the Government of Ghana, the African Scientific, Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC), and the University of Ghana, the conference gathered policymakers, scientists, and various other stakeholders to discuss how science, technology, and innovation can support sustainable development in Africa.

The Accra meetings culminated in the adoption of the Accra Declaration on Science, Technology, and Innovation – a strategic document charting a roadmap for scientific cooperation, science diplomacy, and use-inspired research.

“The vibrant discussions in Accra highlighted Africa’s scientific talent and commitment to sustainable development. It was inspiring to witness the launch of the Accra Declaration, which sets a clear roadmap for strengthening scientific collaboration, funding science diplomacy, and promoting research that directly benefits society. IIASA is excited to contribute to this momentum and looks forward to deepening our partnerships across Africa,” Lips said.

During the conference, Lips also attended a side event hosted by EURAXESS Africa and the EU Delegation to the African Union, where research by fellows of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) – an innovative research and innovation support program of the AAS – was showcased, and funding mechanisms for EU-Africa cooperation were discussed. Along with IIASA researcher Felicity Addo, Lips engaged with Prof. Felix Ankoma Sasante, Pro Vice Chancellor for the University of Ghana who emphasized the importance of increasing research collaborations and ensuring that the public sees the direct impact of research in their lives. Another highlight of the trip was a meeting with Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) of Ghana, who reiterated the importance of knowledge exchange and international collaboration.

The IIASA delegation in Ghana was hosted by Cephas Adjei Mensah, Secretary for the IIASA Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Member Organization (SSARMO), which fosters partnerships between African research institutions and IIASA’s global scientific network. Through SSARMO, IIASA collaborates on regional research initiatives to address complex sustainability challenges such as climate change, food security, and economic development.

Following her engagements in Ghana, Lips continued her mission to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where she participated in the Global Emissions Initiative (GEIA) 2025 Conference, held from 9–11 July at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University where she contributed a talk during the opening ceremony. The conference focused on emissions science and sustainability transitions, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and regional stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving air quality, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, and building capacity for sustainable development.

As part of the GEIA conference program, Lips, along with IIASA researchers Zbigniew Klimont and Adriana Gomez Sanabria, contributed insights into IIASA’s research and explored future collaborations, particularly with key regional partners such as the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Innovation (FONSTI) in Côte d’Ivoire and the National Research Foundation of South Africa. Discussions also covered innovative approaches to emissions inventories and their critical role in informing policy and climate action.

In Abidjan, Lips also met with local scientific leadership and delivered a talk, together with Gomez Sanabria, at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, engaging researchers and students on opportunities for cooperation with IIASA. This received high interest, especially the training and jointly funded research, and was further highlighted at a side event focusing on the needs and opportunities for cross-African and international scientific exchange and strengthening links to the local policy community.

“At the GEIA conference in Abidjan, it was clear how crucial accurate data on emissions and air quality is for policymaking and sustainable development. IIASA is committed to working alongside African researchers to produce knowledge that supports clean air, climate resilience, and human wellbeing,” Lips noted.

From Accra to Abidjan, Lips’s trip underscored IIASA’s dedication to forging strong partnerships across Africa. As the Accra Declaration reminds us – science is not a luxury but a necessity – a principle that continues to guide IIASA’s work with its African partners.

Further information
Learn more about IIASA’s work in Africa and its regional membership through SSARMO.