Collective Conversations on Science for Society

On 8 April 2025, the University of Cape Town (UCT) launched the Collective Conversations Series – an initiative aimed at creating a space for dialogue, bringing together diverse voices from across society to co-create knowledge and develop solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The launch event explored the theme of Science for Society. Professor Edgar Pieterse, Director of the African Centre for Cities at UCT, delivered the keynote presentation: African urbanisation as an unstoppable force, drawing on leading research to illustrate how urbanisation trends should shape South Africa’s contributions to the G20 priority framework and highlighting the practical imperatives for sustainable urban development on the continent. Associate Professor Geci Karuri-Sebina from the Wits School of Governance offered valuable insights into the intersection of policy and practice.