Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire celebrates 75 years of promoting sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire

Held under the theme ‘Scientific research and public-private partnerships: a catalyst for sustainable development and well-being in sub-Saharan Africa’, this meeting brought together a number of stakeholders from the scientific, institutional and economic sectors. It aims, in particular, to strengthen the links between research, public authorities, businesses and the needs of local communities.

Research: a driver of practical solutions

For theCentre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire (CSRS), this anniversary marks an important milestone, but also an opportunity to reflect on the future of research in Africa. Since its creation, the institution has sought to generate knowledge, train scientists, inform public decision-making and contribute to transforming research findings into solutions that support sustainable development.

The Director of the CSRS, Professor Jérémie ZOUEU, stated that the Centre’s 75th anniversary is not a time to rest on its laurels, but rather ‘a time of maturity, confidence and responsibility’. According to him, the challenge now is to build on this legacy and pass it on to future generations. The Centre therefore wishes to continue its work on issues such as health, biodiversity, food security, climate change, socio-economic inequalities and digital transformation.

However, the symposium aims to create a forum for scientific discussion on current and future challenges. Consequently, participants are invited to reflect on the links between research and public policy, innovation, business and the needs of communities. The stated aim is to develop concrete roadmaps, strengthen scientific networks and open up new avenues of research likely to have an impact on societies.

Strengthening the link with scientific research

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Arsène Kobéa Toka emphasised the need to take a new step forward in the development of scientific research. “The first 75 years have enabled us to build the institution. The next 25 must be devoted to building an African model of collaborative research, sustainably funded, rooted in the needs of our people and open to the world,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of closer dialogue between researchers and public decision-makers. “Research must speak to those in power, and those in power must listen to research,” he noted.

The CI Infodrome