The Ethiopian delegation led by Professor Afework Kassu and representatives from MoH, AHRI, AAU, EPHI, SPHMMC, and other institutions partook at the Grand Challenges Annual Meeting from October 23-26, 2022 in Brussels, Belgium.
Prof Kassu who is head of Armauer Hansen Research Institute in Ethiopia and his delegation had useful meetings with senior leaders of BMGF, Grand Challenges Canada, Grand Challenges India, Grand Challenges Brazil, Grand Challenges Africa, EDCTP and with many scientists on areas of mutual interest that will help in strengthening Research, Development, and Innovation in Ethiopia.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with European Union hosted the 18th Grand Challenges Annual Meeting.
The opening session was graced by senior officials, including H.E. Dr Ursula von dear Leyen, President of European Commision, H.E. Mr Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Bill Gates, Co-Chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Founsation, H.E. Mrs Bettina Stark, Federal Minister for Education and Research of Germany, and others. The dignatories emphasised “the importance of innovation and R&D in rapidly changing world; and the case for investing in innovation and collaboration”.
Pre-opening session high-level meetings included a “Funders Forum’ which was aimed to encourage partners to explore how funding decisions and partnerships can help to strengthen locally led research and development, and ensure that innovation is both developed by and accessible to those most affected by the problems we seek to solve.
The three days annual event attracted policy makers, researchers, practitioners, media and funders from different parts of the world.
Next year’s GCAM will be hosted by Senegal in Dakar. As remembered, Ethiopia hosted the meeting in 2019 in Addis Ababa.
