Innovative Approaches in Development Cooperation: A Meeting of Minds

Last week, a groundbreaking event unfolded under the auspices of FUNDECYT-PCTEX, signaling a significant stride towards fostering innovative solutions in development cooperation. Hosted by Dña. Isabel Belloso Bueso, Director of the Extremaduran Agency for International Development Cooperation (AEXCID), and D. Francisco Pizarro Escribano, Business Development Director of FUNDECYT-PCTEX, the event titled “Identifying Challenges in Development Cooperation: A Participatory Scientific and Technological Exchange” aimed to bridge the realms of innovation and development cooperation to tackle pressing challenges faced by communities.

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Participants were invited to partake in dialogue and collaborative brainstorming sessions to pinpoint key challenges within the sphere of development cooperation. The overarching objective was to harness scientific and technological advancements to tailor solutions to the unique needs and circumstances of these communities, empowering them to navigate their challenges autonomously.

Throughout the event, discussions revolved around the synergy of innovation methodologies and development cooperation practices in fostering the creation of sustainable solutions. Topics ranged from bolstering food security and healthcare to promoting energy sovereignty and connectivity, all while emphasizing sustainability and digitalization.

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The meeting served as a catalyst for nurturing a collaborative ecosystem where science, technology, and innovation converge to address the multifaceted challenges of development cooperation. By tapping into the collective expertise and creativity of participants, the event marked a significant leap towards empowering communities and driving meaningful progress in the realm of development cooperation.

Following a participatory dynamic for identifying challenges among all attendees, a presentation on “Science and Technology for Human Development” was delivered by D. Javier Mazorra Aguiar, a researcher at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Mr. Mazorra emphasized the importance of genuine collaborations, beyond mere rhetoric, and highlighted the indispensable role of human factor in every process.

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For the African ecosystem at the same table was our founder and CEO, Mr. Oscar Nchaso, representing Dreams Hub, a technological, entrepreneurial, research, and innovation center (a member of AfriLabs). Mr. Nchaso shed light on some of the challenges and opportunities within the continent’s technological, innovative, and entrepreneurial ecosystem, underscoring its immense potential, largely driven by the youth. He also emphasized the significance of genuine collaborations, echoing the sentiments of Dr. Javier, to avoid duplication of initiatives and efforts. His intervention proved to be of great interest to the attendees.

The session concluded with the agreement to share the identified challenges with relevant stakeholders for collaborative strategic partnerships and concerted efforts to address them.