The Center of Strategic Foresight at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, have signed a partnership agreement to establish the ICESCO Chair for Innovation and the Future in Africa, at the University. The aim of this partnership is to promote scientific research, training, information exchange, and documentation in the field, as well as to encourage collaboration among experts, researchers, and university professors in South Africa.

The agreement was signed via videoconference, on Tuesday, 10 October 2023, by Dr. Kais Hammami, Director of the Center of Strategic Foresight, representing ICESCO, and Dr. Jason Cohen, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management at the University of Witwatersrand.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Hammami delivered an insightful overview of the Center and its mission, emphasizing the importance of utilizing foresight tools in building the future, and the pivotal role of the Chair in disseminating knowledge, promoting research, and shaping a pioneering future for Africa. For his part, Dr. Cohen expressed his delight in collaborating with ICESCO through this Chair, which strengthens the impact of foresight in the attainment of sustainable development goals.

The Chair seeks to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals pertaining to industry, innovation, and sustainable cities. It also seeks to analyze trends in the field of foresight and innovation in Africa, and develop research programs and educational resources in this area.