The 3rd Worldwide Meeting of Young Academies takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 20-21 July 2017, hosted by the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and co-organised by the Global Young Academy (GYA).

The meeting will focus on the question of how young academies and young scientists in particular can contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will bring together more than 60 representatives from over 35 NYAs and young academy initiatives from all over the world.

The meeting under the theme “One Health: Health and Development in the context of an Urbanising Planet and Implications for Science Policy” will focus on SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 11 (Sustainable Cities).

Participants will discuss the role of NYAs as a mechanism for national implementation of the SDGs, and how science and technology can be harnessed towards achieving the SDGs. The goal of the meeting is to present an action plan on how NYAs can cooperate successfully both on regional and global levels to impact the SDG process using science and innovation.

National Young Academies are academies typically formed by young scientists and scholars at the beginning of their independent careers who have been selected for the excellence of their research impact and commitment to service. NYAs work as the voice of young scientists for the advancement of issues of importance to society and to young scientists.

The meetings comes at a dynamic time for the NYA network which continues to grow with ever more young academies being established all over the world and up to six new ones expected to start work this year.

For the GYA, one of its major aims is to support the establishment and development of NYAs and similar bodies, to cooperate with them and provide opportunities for networking. Overall, 33 NYAs and more than 10 similar bodies now exist worldwide, many having been established with support from the GYA and its members.

For more information on the meeting, see the meeting site or contact from GYA Office or follow on Twitter #WWMYAS2017.