Landcent will be hosting a session at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Science Summit 2024 titled “Indigenous Knowledge for Global Health Solutions - Harnessing African Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, and Policy Development for Equitable Impact.” This event will feature presentations and expert discussions on the critical role of Indigenous knowledge in healthcare, particularly from Africa. Central to the discussion will be the introduction of Landcent’s Bio-Heritage Initiative, which aims to drive healthcare innovation by combining traditional knowledge systems with modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). This initiative aligns with Landcent’s broader mission to promote sustainable development and equitable healthcare.
Session Overview
The Science Summit session will emphasize the importance of African Indigenous knowledge in global healthcare, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. The event will explore the integration of traditional medicines, supported by the WHO’s Traditional Medicines Strategy 2025–2034, and how AI and ML can enhance health discoveries through Indigenous practices. A white paper will be introduced during the session, outlining a policy framework for incorporating Indigenous knowledge into global health systems. This framework highlights key principles such as data sovereignty, equitable access, and active community involvement, ensuring that Indigenous contributions are recognized and protected.
Landcent’s session will foster collaborations between academia, industry, policymakers, and Indigenous communities, driving partnerships that enhance the global impact of Indigenous knowledge in healthcare. By doing so, Landcent continues to promote inclusive solutions for improving healthcare access, reducing mortality, and addressing health disparities across the globe.
Announcing the Bio-Heritage Initiative
At the Summit, Landcent will launch its Bio-Heritage Initiative, developed in collaboration with the University of the Free State. This initiative aims to combine Indigenous knowledge with advanced technologies, such as AI and ML, to develop innovative health solutions, particularly targeting diseases affecting underserved communities. It underscores the enduring value of Indigenous knowledge, demonstrated by the discovery of artemisinin, a key treatment for malaria. The Bio-Heritage Initiative seeks to establish a global platform that preserves and respects Indigenous knowledge while ensuring equitable access to its benefits.
Landcent’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Peter Atadja, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: "The Bio-Heritage Initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that Indigenous communities are recognized as key stakeholders in the global health and sustainability agenda. Their knowledge is invaluable to creating equitable health solutions that benefit all."
Vision for the Future
Landcent’s CEO, Arun Prabhu Stanley, also shares his vision for the future: "Our work at Landcent goes beyond technological innovation. By integrating Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge, regenerative AI, we are fostering a new era of healthcare that respects, protects, and elevates the wisdom of Indigenous people while addressing today’s pressing global health challenges."
Through programs like the Bio-Heritage Initiative, Landcent is committed to fostering cross-sector collaborations and advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in global health policies. By integrating these perspectives, Landcent contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring a healthier future for all.
Be Part of the Change: Join Us at UNGA 79
We cordially invite you to join us at UNGA 79 for a transformative discussion on integrating African Indigenous knowledge into global health solutions. Your collaboration is essential in cultivating partnerships that propel sustainable healthcare innovations. We deeply value your insights, and we eagerly anticipate your participation in helping shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Join us on September 20, 2024, from 11 AM to 2 PM ET, available both online and on-site at CURE, 345 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10010.
Hear from our keynote speakers, including H. E. Amb. Cessouma Minata Samete (African Union - Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development) and Mosoka Fallah, PhD, MA, MPH.
Register now to secure your spot: https://sched.co/1jzgq
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Read the previous press release here.