A Decade of Policy Advancement and Science Diplomacy: The SA IORAG (SAEON Seminar, March 2026)

Описание: Presenter: Nicole du Plessis (NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node)

Title: A Decade of Policy Advancement and Science Diplomacy: The South African Chapter of the Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group (SA IORAG)

Abstract: Since 2016, the NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node has hosted the Secretariat for the South African Chapter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Academic Group (SA IORAG), establishing a novel division dedicated to Policy Advancement and Science Diplomacy. This webinar showcases a decade of strategic contributions supporting the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in advancing South Africa's objectives within the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The Indian Ocean is a region of critical global geostrategic importance carrying 80% of global oil trade, 50% of containerised cargo, and serving as home to 2.7 billion people across 23 member states. The vision for IORA originated with President Nelson Mandela's historic 1995 visit to India, where he articulated the need for Indian Ocean socio-economic cooperation—a vision that remains profoundly relevant today. South Africa's active participation through the SA IORAG demonstrates the nation's commitment to regional cooperation in IORA’s priority areas, including maritime safety, blue economy, disaster risk management, and academic cooperation.

The Egagasini Node's Policy Advancement and Science Diplomacy division represents a pioneering approach within SAEON, directly contributing to NRF Business Advancement objectives by bridging the critical ocean science-policy interface. Through the SA IORAG Secretariat, the Node has facilitated direct engagement between South African academics, policymakers, and regional partners, maintaining awareness of regional challenges while formulating collaborative research and innovation agendas with international stakeholders. This platform enables SAEON to assist the National Government in fulfilling international commitments.

Over the past decade, the SA IORAG has grown into a multi-stakeholder network comprising universities, research institutions, business members, and policymakers, promoting evidence-based decision-making across IORA's priorities. This presentation will highlight key achievements, ongoing initiatives, including the 2026 National University Roadshow, and future directions for strengthening South Africa's academic engagement in the Indian Ocean region. Attendees will gain insight into how the Egagasini Node's innovative approach to science diplomacy is building on earlier achievements to grow tangible value for national stakeholders, advances regional cooperation, and supports South Africa's strategic interests in this vital maritime region.