“Africa Talks Environment”: International conference on environmental crises and sustainability in the African context

Opening up new perspectives for a sustainable future requires open dialogue between science, society, and politics. Against this backdrop, the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW) have launched a new collaboration. This collaboration will kick off with a one-day symposium followed by a public evening event.

Linking global environmental issues with African perspectives

Africa is particularly affected by environmental and climate risks – at the same time, new forms of knowledge, innovation and sustainability are emerging there. With the conference "Africa Talks Environment", the BAdW and the Cluster of Excellence Africa Multiple aim to promote scientific exchange on ecological challenges, social dynamics and political scope for action on the African continent.

The one-day event begins at 10:15 a.m. at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (Alfons-Goppel-Str. 11, 80539 Munich). In several panels held in English, researchers from various disciplines will discuss topics such as resources and environmental justice, agricultural innovations, biodiversity and social transformations. The focus will be on highlighting African perspectives on global environmental issues and exploring alternative approaches to sustainable development.

Evening event with Dr Auma Obama

Dr Auma Obama is a sociologist, Germanist, author and founder of the Sauti Kuu Foundation, a foundation that works in Kenya to empower young people and promote sustainable livelihoods. After studying in Germany and the United Kingdom, she worked for many years for international organisations in the field of sustainable development and education. Through her work, she is committed to personal responsibility, ecological awareness and social participation – key topics that will also be the focus of her lecture.

"Dialogue and diversity of perspectives are key"

"In order to understand global environmental crises and tackle them effectively, we need to bring together scientific perspectives across geographical and disciplinary boundaries," explains Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Seesemann, spokesperson for the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence. "African perspectives in particular can help to challenge entrenched views and point to new ways for a more just and sustainable future. The cooperation with the Bavarian Academy of Sciences offers us an ideal platform for this."

Academy President Prof. Dr. Markus Schwaiger: "Science bears responsibility – not only for knowledge, but for society as a whole. With 'Africa Talks Environment', we are creating space for dialogue between different cultures of knowledge and perspectives. The Bavarian Academy of Sciences sees itself as a platform where science builds international bridges – between disciplines, regions and people."

Objective of the conference

With "Africa Talks Environment", the organisers aim to intensify dialogue between African and international scientists and experts. The goal is to pool knowledge, open up new perspectives on global environmental issues and promote innovative solutions.

Places are limited, so registration is essential; participation is free of charge. Separate registration is required for the daytime and evening events. The registration deadline is 10 November.

Further information and the complete programme can be found at:
https://www.africamultiple.uni-bayreuth.de/en/Important-Dates/2025-11-18_Konferenz_BAdW_/index.html