The Swedish International Agriculture Network Initiative (SIANI) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) are excited to announce their involvement in the upcoming Global Bioeconomy Summit (GBS) 2024, which will take place in Africa for the first time. SEI, along with BioInnovate Africa and EASTECO (The East African Science And Technology Commission), is hosting the Global Summit. Additionally, SEI is a significant co-sponsor of GBS2024.
GBS is an increasingly important platform for sharing ideas and experiences worldwide on using biological resources more sustainably and how a sustainable bioeconomy can contribute to fulfilling sustainable development goals at all levels, global, regional, and local. The theme for GBS2024 is ‘One Planet – Sustainable Bioeconomy Solutions for Global Challenges’. which highlights the bioeconomy as a tool for supporting and linking actions and agendas under the UN Global Climate, Biodiversity and Desertification Conventions. The summit will also highlight the critical importance of bioeconomy for Africa and other regions of the Global South in driving sustainable development.
The summit will highlight the critical importance of bioeconomy for Africa and other regions of the Global South in driving sustainable development.
Gathering in Nairobi
This year’s summit will bring together around 300 participants from across the globe, alongside another 1,000 who will join virtually. The event promises to be a significant platform for discussing the future of sustainable bio-based economies. SEI will have a strong presence at the summit, with several key staff members from Africa, Asia, headquarters and Latin America attending and contributing to panels and discussions.
In addition to the plenaries and panel discussions, the summit will feature an exhibition space where companies, organisations, and other actors can showcase their bioeconomy-related products and projects. SIANI will host an exhibition booth, where attendees can explore a range of SIANI and SEI materials related to bioeconomy initiatives and sustainable development.
Advancing bioeconomy in the global south
The Global Bioeconomy Summit in Africa is a significant event for the continent, drawing global attention to the potential of bio-based development in addressing sustainability challenges. With Africa confronting increasing challenges due to climate change, food security, and economic diversification, the bioeconomy offers a promising path towards increased resilience environmentally and inclusive friendly economic growth. SEI’s role in advancing this dialogue underscores its longstanding work on sustainable development and bioeconomy initiatives in the region.
Report launches: Bioeconomy insights for Eastern Africa
At the GBS, SEI, in collaboration with BioInnovate Africa and EASTECO, will launch, during the summit, the report “State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa: 2024.” This report provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s bioeconomy landscape, mapping out key trends, key actors, challenges, and opportunities for Eastern Africa’s future bio-based development. In parallel, SEI will also unveil a synthesis bioeconomy report and guidebook developed as part of the SEI Bioeconomy Initiative.
These reports reflect SEI’s mission to promote evidence-based policies and strategies for advancing bioeconomy in the Global South, offering crucial tools for governments and institutions in Eastern Africa to navigate the path toward sustainable development.
A platform for collaboration and innovation
The GBS presents an unparalleled opportunity for actors worldwide to collaborate, share knowledge, and foster partnerships that drive forward the global bioeconomy agenda. SIANI and SEI’s participation in the summit reinforces their commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies based on bio-based innovations and natural resources.
For more information on SEI and SIANI’s participation, visit their exhibition booth or attend the plenary sessions to hear from leading experts across the world.