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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
On February 25-26, 2025, The Alliance for Science hosted the Future of Science Communication Forum in Nairobi, Kenya a pivotal two-day event for marking a decade of groundbreaking efforts in science communication and advocacy. This landmark forum signals a bold new chapter for the organization as it expands its mission to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges including food systems transformation, climate action, and health communication while leading the global fight against misinformation.
Over the past ten years, the Alliance for Science has been instrumental in fostering the understanding and acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. Now, leveraging its expertise, the organization is widening its scope to address the increasing threats posed by misinformation across scientific and technological fields.
Misinformation: A Growing Threat to Science and Progress
A central theme of the forum is the urgent need to combat misinformation, which threatens evidence-based decision-making and innovation. Dr. Sheila Obim, Executive Director of the Alliance for Science, emphasized this challenge, stating:
“We live in an era where misinformation and disinformation pose some of the greatest threats to science and progress. To counter this, we must build a strong global network of allies dedicated to fighting misinformation.”
This call to action was also highlighted by Prof. Karim Maredia, Director of International Programs at Michigan State University, who underscored the forum’s ambitious vision:
“Our goal is to establish a global network of over 100,000 science communication champions, serving as ambassadors for science, technology, and innovation to eliminate misinformation.”
As misinformation increasingly infiltrates conversations on food security, climate change, and emerging technologies, the forum seeks to unite experts, policymakers, and communicators in forging solutions.
Education and Technology as Catalysts for Change
Keynote speaker Dr. Mathew Prempeh, former Energy Minister of Ghana, stressed the foundational role of education in achieving environmental sustainability:
“Environmental sustainability starts with education. Prioritizing mainstream science from an early age equips future generations to champion sustainable development.”
Meanwhile, Amb. Phillip Thigo, Special Envoy for Technology for the Republic of Kenya, explored the complexities of misinformation in the digital age, particularly the biases embedded in artificial intelligence (AI) tools:
“Technology is a cultural construct; it doesn’t exist in isolation. Many AI tools are not neutral, and misinformation cannot be tackled with a single solution.”
As part of its forward-looking agenda, the forum will examine the transformative potential of Quantum AI and its implications for science communication, diplomacy, and global governance.
Building a Resilient Future Through Science Communication
The forum agreed to address critical global issues, including:
- Strengthening food, health, and nutrition security.
- Enhancing climate-resilient food systems.
- Examining the intersection of energy, environment, and the future of science communication.
A Decade of Impact, A Future of Possibilities
As the Alliance for Science celebrates its achievements over the past decade, this forum represented a turning point in its evolution. By expanding its mission beyond agricultural biotechnology to address misinformation and emerging technologies, the organization is positioning itself at the forefront of science communication in the 21st century. With a growing coalition of global science advocates, the future of science communication is poised to be more inclusive, resilient, and impactful than ever before.
The Alliance for Science is a global initiative committed to improving science communication, combating misinformation, and promoting evidence-based decision-making. Founded in 2014 and originally focused on agricultural biotechnology, the organization has since expanded its mission to address broader global challenges, including food security, climate change, and health communication.
By building a strong network of science advocates, the Alliance for Science aims to equip policymakers, journalists, and the public with accurate scientific information. It actively works to counter misinformation, particularly in areas where science and technology play a crucial role in development.
Through training programs, global forums, and advocacy efforts, the organization fosters informed discussions on pressing scientific issues. As it enters its second decade, the Alliance for Science continues to lead efforts in strengthening public trust in science and supporting solutions that drive sustainable progress worldwide.
