Canada
South Africa
Canada – South Africa
STI Policy Dialogue
A landmark high-level conversation celebrating over thirty years of science, technology, innovation and knowledge partnership — and discussing the road ahead.
The Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) of South Africa, Canada's Office of the Chief Science Advisor, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) cordially invite you to a high-level virtual discussion on:
"Celebrating Canada–South Africa STI Partnerships:
Policy Insights and Exploring Pathways Forward."
South Africa and Canada have walked side by side in science and innovation for more than three decades. This session marks a meaningful milestone — the formal presentation of the Canada–South Africa STIK Cooperation Report — and opens a candid, high-level conversation about where this partnership goes next.
Featured Publication
The Canada–South Africa Science, Technology, Innovation and Knowledge (STIK) Cooperation Report will be formally presented during this session. It offers a comprehensive overview of bilateral achievements — from co-publications and institutional linkages to strategic alignment across critical sectors — and lays out a forward-looking roadmap for deeper collaboration.
Evolving bilateral partnerships to address current global challenges
Enhancing inclusive innovation and Indigenous knowledge systems
Advancing science diplomacy and knowledge exchange
Contextualising the partnership within G20, G7 and Global South cooperation
Your participation will provide essential insights into the current and forward-looking
cooperation that underpins this vital two-way partnership.
We look forward to welcoming you to this landmark dialogue.
Three Decades of Partnership
South Africa and Canada have built a collaborative partnership in science, technology, innovation, and knowledge (STIK) spanning more than thirty years. This relationship is anchored in strong institutional cooperation, joint research initiatives, and science diplomacy endeavours that have grown steadily in scope and ambition.
In recognition of everything this partnership has achieved, the two nations have recently finalised the Canada–South Africa STIK Cooperation Report — a comprehensive account of the collaboration that highlights measurable growth in co-publications, institutional linkages, and strategic alignment across critical sectors.
The report also makes clear that the moment calls for a more strategic, policy-driven approach — one that can amplify impact in global science diplomacy, inclusive innovation, Indigenous knowledge systems, and emerging technologies.
What This Conversation Aims to Achieve
This high-level virtual session brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and researchers to reflect on the STIK Report and chart a course for what comes next. Specifically, the session will:
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iShare the key findings from the STIK Cooperation Report with a broad audience of stakeholders.
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iiFacilitate discussions among senior stakeholders on policy-level issues arising from the report.
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iiiIdentify strategic goals and policy tools that serve as effective levers in bilateral collaboration between Canada and South Africa.
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ivExplore how the relationship can advance shared goals in science diplomacy and inclusive innovation.
Building a More Organised Collaboration
The session aims to promote a more organised and systematic approach to STI collaboration between the two countries. It will align participants on how existing partnerships can effectively address current challenges and anticipate emerging ones — and explore opportunities for improved cooperation on policy matters.
Participants will have an opportunity to:
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→Share their perspectives on the strategic significance of the report's findings.
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→Identify policy gaps and opportunities for bilateral STI cooperation.
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→Contextualise the partnership within current global STI trends, including G20, G7, and Global South cooperation.
A Two-Hour Virtual Dialogue
The session is structured as a two-hour virtual event featuring presentations and a virtual armchair discussion. The principal investigators will open with an overview of the STIK Report, followed by guided remarks and reflections from distinguished speakers. This format is designed to foster both structured and open-ended feedback — encouraging thoughtful dialogue while keeping the conversation focused on key themes.
What We Hope to Walk Away With
Shared Understanding
A common appreciation of the significance and application of the report's conclusions across both countries.
New Collaboration Areas
Prospective areas for collaboration and joint policy development identified by participants.
Shaped Future Engagements
Discourse that helps shape the next chapter of bilateral engagement between the two nations.
Continuous Dialogue
Promotion of ongoing conversation and mutual understanding well beyond this single session.
- Opening by featured speakers from both nations
- Confirmation of meeting objectives and expected outcomes
- Setting the stage: the strategic importance of STI partnerships in a changing global order
Led by: Dr. Mona Nemer (Canada) & Ms Anneline Morgan (South Africa)
- Context and motivation for commissioning the STIK Cooperation Report
- Strategic importance of the study within the broader bilateral cooperation framework
- The growth and evolution of the Canada–South Africa partnership
- Key strengths, areas for development, and emerging opportunities
- Future pathways and strategic recommendations
- Brief Q&A session open to institutional partners and the audience
- An opportunity for early engagement before the fireside reflections
- Participants are encouraged to ask clarifying questions on the report's findings
- Each featured speaker shares their perspective on the report and on cooperation (approx. 15 minutes each)
- Informal fireside chat model — candid, conversational, and forward-looking
- Open, moderated conversation on policy implications and bilateral opportunities
- All participants invited to contribute perspectives
Moderated by: Prof. Himla Soodyall, CEO, Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
- Participants share strategic responses and their related activities
- DSTI, ISED, advisory bodies, and research sector voices
- Summary of key takeaways and next steps
- Closing words from featured speakers
This session brings together a distinguished assembly of thought leaders, policymakers, researchers, and institutional representatives from South Africa and Canada. The diversity of perspectives is central to the richness of the dialogue.
Mr Daan du Toit
Deputy Director-General: International Cooperation and Resources
Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
Ms Anneline Morgan
Acting Chief Executive Officer
South African National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)
Chairperson & Moderator
Dr. Mona Nemer
Chief Science Advisor of Canada
Office of the Chief Science Advisor
Prof. Himla Soodyall
Chief Executive Officer
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Prof. Michael Kahn
Principal Investigator
STIK Cooperation Report
Prof. Paul Dufour
Principal Investigator
STIK Cooperation Report
Policymakers, Researchers & Institutional Representatives
A broad community of stakeholders from DSTI (South Africa), ISED (Canada), advisory bodies, and the research sector — bringing diverse perspectives to an inclusive and informed dialogue.
Both NationsOrganising Institutions
Office of the Chief Science Advisor — Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) — South Africa
Secure your place at this landmark dialogue. Once you register, you'll receive the Microsoft Teams meeting link and a calendar reminder so the date stays firmly in your diary — no matter which time zone you're joining from.
To activate live RSVP tracking, please follow the 3-step guide at the bottom of this panel. Once your Google Form ID is pasted in, this notice disappears for all visitors.
You're Registered!
Thank you for confirming your participation. We look forward to seeing you at the dialogue.
Event: Canada–South Africa STI Policy Dialogue
Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Time: 15:00–17:00 SAST | 09:00–11:00 EDT
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Join Link: Click here to join
Add to your calendar so you don't miss it:
🛠 Organiser Setup — 3 Steps (takes ~2 minutes, completely free)
Create your Google Form
Go to forms.google.com and click Blank form.
Add these 7 fields (Short answer unless noted):
First Name · Last Name · Email · Organisation · Country (Dropdown: South Africa / Canada / Other) · Role · Questions (Paragraph)
Then go to Settings → Responses and turn on "Collect email addresses" and "Send responders a copy" — this automatically emails each registrant their confirmation.
Set up email notifications for you & your Canadian colleague
In your Google Form, click the Responses tab → three-dot menu (⋮) →
"Get email notifications for new responses".
This sends every new RSVP to Sikhonzile.Sikhosana@dsti.gov.za.
To also notify Alexander.Williams-Zannis@ised-isde.gc.ca:
Click the green Sheets icon to open the linked Google Sheet →
go to Tools → Notification rules → add Alexander's email.
Paste your Form ID into this invitation
Click Send in your Google Form → copy the link. It looks like:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/YOUR_FORM_ID/viewform
Copy just the YOUR_FORM_ID part and paste it below, then click Save.