Journalists and educators ponder how to report science, technology and innovation for Africa's development

Abstract

Western African journalists and educators gathered in Abuja to discuss ways of better reporting science, technology and innovation at a regional workshop jointly organized by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (STRC) of the African Union Commission. The two-day workshop, held from 17 to 18 October 2011 on the ECOWAS premises in Abuja focused on promoting science journalism as part of Sustainable Development. The event was a result of the four co-sponsors’ realization of the growing need to enhance public awareness of the importance of science and technology in everyday life and public policy-making, especially against the background of new and emerging science and technology options in areas which impinge directly upon people’s lives.