Excellency Mr. President of the Pan African Parliament, Fortune Charumbira,
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo of Equator University of
Science and Technology, Uganda,
Vice-President Dr. Eyasu Yazew of the University of Mekelle, Ethiopia,
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Patrick Mwania of Tangaza University, Nairobi, Kenya,
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Francisca Oladipo of Thomas Adewumi University,
Nigeria,
Vice-Chancellor Rev. Fr. Prof. Dr. Arnold Hill of the University of Grand Bassa,
Liberia,
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zvobgo of Great Zimbabwe University,
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof Dr. Mulaa,
Prof Nur, Director of Eastern College, in Mogadishu Somalia,
Distinguished dignitaries, esteemed Professors and colleagues, members of the
diplomatic corps, dear participants,
Closing Remarks
Your Excellency, President of the Pan African Parliament, Distinguished Vice-Chancellors, Esteemed Dignitaries, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I stand before you today, I am deeply inspired by the deliberations that have taken place during this conference. Allow me to share a personal reflection: my journey began as a scientist, driven by a passion for discovery and understanding. However, my path eventually led me from the laboratories of science to the corridors of policy and into the realm of politics. Why, you might ask?
As we heard from the esteemed Dean of Leiden University, Professor Guchelaar, earlier today, the pursuit of freedom and the pursuit of knowledge are intricately linked. War, in its most devastating form, stifles communication, silences expression, restricts movement, and throws societies into chaos, where survival becomes the sole focus. In these black holes of conflict, we struggle for visibility, recognition, and existence.
War is deeply intertwined with health and the fabric of healthy societies. It is no coincidence that Ebola struck Liberia as the nation was emerging from the ravages of civil war. War leaves societies teetering on the edge of vulnerability, with institutions weakened and struggling to find the strength to serve their people.
Furthermore, war is inextricably connected to issues of equality and equity. It determines whose voices are heard and whose are silenced, whose suffering is acknowledged and whose is hidden. War casts a shadow, creating black holes where the suffering of the most vulnerable goes unseen, often silencing the voices of women who would otherwise be powerful advocates.
War systematically undermines everything that makes a society resilient. It targets healthcare, education, family support structures, and social cohesion, with the deliberate intent of reducing a society from one of coherence and pride to one of chaos and disarray.
This is why I chose to enter the political arena—to advocate for the only true antidote to war: the power of voice, the necessity of visibility, and the imperative of ensuring that everyone is heard.
The Ebola crisis taught us a profound lesson: my health depends on your health, my knowledge depends on yours, and my freedom depends on yours. It is the sovereignty of knowledge, of care, and of building the support systems that are essential in overcoming crises like the one we faced in Liberia.
The work you have accomplished through the FAIR data initiative is crucial because it translates these principles into the context of the modern digital world, ensuring that voices are heard and presence is acknowledged in the digital era.
Not only have you focused on these values, but you have also implemented them in some of the most challenging environments and circumstances. Understanding the importance of building digital systems that enable everyone to have a voice and a presence, you have gone even further, incorporating experience, wisdom, and a commitment to ownership, localization, and regulation for the common good.
This is the new Africa that is emerging before our eyes. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the data stewards who have been certified. I applaud the efforts of the African University Network on FAIR Open Science, including Liberia’s Grand Bassa University, led by our esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Reverend Hill. I commend the gender initiatives that have been undertaken to promote women’s leadership. And I celebrate the collaborative spirit that has united people across places, countries, and continents in a shared vision of a new, ethical, and modern digital world.
May you all be blessed as you continue this vital work, contributing to our societies and fostering hope that your efforts will help build a future that transcends war—a future where everyone is seen, heard, and cared for.
It is now my privilege to officially close this conference on FAIR Data – FAIR Africa: The Internationalisation of the Health Data Space.