South Africa has become home to Africa’s first United Nations University (UNU) research hub, marking a major milestone in the continent’s quest to influence global scientific and policy agendas.

The UNU Hub on Resilient Environment, Agriculture, Climate and Health for Africa (Reach-Africa) was officially launched on 23 July at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Future Africa campus. Designed to address pressing challenges such as climate change, food and water security, and public health, the hub positions UP as a leading continental voice in sustainability science.

Part of the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) in Canada, Reach-Africa joins a small network of hubs located in Canada, Germany, Sweden, and the United States, making it the first such facility in the Global South.

The centre will also host the African Academy for Water, Environment and Health (AA-WEH), an initiative to build a pan-African, transdisciplinary community of practice. With an emphasis on gender balance and context-driven solutions, AA-WEH aims to drive collaborative research and strengthen capacity across Africa.

UNU rector and UN under-secretary-general Tshilidzi Marwala hailed the launch as “a defining moment” in the 50-year history of UNU. “We are proud that this flagship initiative is being launched in South Africa, at an institution that exemplifies scientific excellence, partnership and continental leadership,” he said.

UP Vice-Chancellor Francis Petersen emphasised the African-led approach of the hub, describing it as “By Africa, in Africa, for Africa.” He noted that it would amplify African science in international dialogues on climate, agriculture, health, and the environment.

Other speakers, including UNU-INWEH director Kaveh Madani and National Research Foundation’s Thandi Mgwebi, highlighted the hub’s role in fostering collaboration between African and global researchers while symbolising the continent’s readiness to take charge of its scientific agenda.

Representatives from Canada and Japan, long-time supporters of the UNU network, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the hub’s mission.

Launched at a time of mounting climate risks and health crises, Reach-Africa is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring African perspectives shape international policy and research for years to come.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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https://unu.edu/inweh/news/south-africa-hosts-first-un-university-hub-africa-and-global-south