Ethics of Science in Africa

The World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST), will hold its Fifth Ordinary Session in Dakar, from 6 to 9 December 2006, on the topic of "Ethics of Science in Africa."

Key areas that will be addressed include:

* ethics education and consultation on the draft core curriculum for bioethics teaching;
* environmental ethics, consultation on the draft policy advice on environmental ethics and the problem of toxic waste in Africa;
* regional consultation on science ethics and scientists' responsibility and setting up monitoring and application bodies;
* and the ethical dimensions of the relation among biodiversity, genetically modified organisms and biotechnology.

A Youth Forum on the ethical and social responsibilities of scientists in Africa is also planned, in order to involve young researchers or representatives of youth organizations in the work of COMEST.

Finally, a Regional Ministerial Meeting on the incorporation of ethics of science and technology in African public policies will also take place in order to assure visibility and political support to the debate of this matter in the West Africa region.