Dakar, Senegal hosted an international colloquium this week focused on bolstering sustainable progress initiatives across Africa, culminating in the rare awarding of honorary doctorates to 120 individuals [[1]]. The “International Colloquium on Innovation in Sustainable Development in Africa: Multidisciplinary Perspectives” convened leaders and innovators recognized not for customary academic research, but for practical impact and community-level change. Organizers say the event, sponsored by the Applied Multidisciplinary Research Institute (IARPA) and the Professional Valorization Center of Tunis (CVPT), aimed to establish a collaborative network among recipients to further drive progress on the continent [[2]].
By Justin GOMIS
Dakar, Senegal – An international conference focused on sustainable development in Africa concluded Wednesday with the honorary doctorate recognition of 120 individuals for their contributions to society, science, and humanity. The event, the “International Colloquium on Innovation in Sustainable Development in Africa: Multidisciplinary Perspectives,” was hosted November 18-19 by the Applied Multidisciplinary Research Institute (IARPA) and the Professional Valorization Center of Tunis (CVPT).
The honorary doctorates, a prestigious and rarely awarded title, were presented to individuals whose work has been deemed inspirational and impactful. Brice Manko, president of the scientific committee, described the recipients not as traditional researchers, but as “actors of change.”
“These are women and men who, through their vision, rigor, and sense of service, have managed to transform their ideas into actions,” Manko said during the ceremony.
Among those honored was Cherif Mouhamed Ali Aïdara, a leader within the Mozdahir Shia Muslim community, recognized for his work promoting education and healthcare. The recognition of Aïdara and others highlights the growing emphasis on community leadership in driving sustainable development across the African continent.
Organizers emphasized the importance of building upon the achievements of past recipients, fostering a network of excellence among those holding the honorary doctorate. Manko explained that this network is intended to facilitate collaborative projects, international exchange, and innovative partnerships, all guided by principles of integrity and solidarity.
“Last year, at the same time, celebrities conferred Honorary Doctorates on candidates who deserve to act, and in addition, who have succeeded in creating a mentorship, a kind of network of excellence of Dr Honoris Causa. It is expected that this year, this network will be a power so that we can all move forward. This mentorship involves participating in projects, collective initiatives, taking advantage of international exchanges, propelling innovative partnerships while respecting a commitment to networks aimed at acting for the common good, in order to be a model of intellectual integrity, optics and solidarity,” he stated.
The president of the Honorary Doctorate holders also reminded the recipients of their ongoing responsibilities following the award. “Integrating Doctor Honoris Causa is recognizing a work. But it is also renewing a pact, the one that links the old society and those who think it, analyze it, imagine it and then transform it,” he said.
The next IARPA colloquium will be held in Brazzaville, Congo.
