NATIONAL NEWS - The Group of 20 (G20) Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) Hackathon which brings together innovators to tackle pressing challenges like climate change, is currently underway.
Hosted by South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the hackathon is a flagship deliverable of this year’s G20 RIWG agenda.
The department announced that the hackathon, which began on Tuesday, aims to support a demonstrator project centred on the theme “Disaster Risk Reduction through Open Innovation (DRR-OI).”
The hackathon which will run until Friday, 5 September, brings together global innovators to collaboratively tackle one of the most pressing challenges the world faces, including disaster risk in the context of accelerating climate change.
This initiative is designed to utilise digital technologies, open data systems, and cross-border collaboration to enhance resilience in regions that are vulnerable to climate change and water scarcity.
“This year’s challenge focuses on forecasting informal urban expansion and its implications for flood risk using advanced digital tools and real-world data.
“Building on previous DRR-OI platforms and pilot projects, the hackathon is a dynamic test bed for scalable, evidence-based solutions that can inform policy and urban planning in rapidly growing cities,” the statement read.
Throughout the week, multidisciplinary teams from G20 countries and their partners will develop innovative digital solutions utilising artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and geospatial analytics, all while adhering to the principles of responsible and ethical AI.
Participating teams include experts in data science, urban studies and disaster risk management from countries such as Botswana, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malawi, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
South Africa is proudly represented by a group of emerging leaders and innovators, including Dr Charles Takalana, the Deputy Director at the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development, located at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town.
“The involvement of these experts underscores the depth of local scientific and entrepreneurial talent and ensures that African urban contexts and lived experiences are at the forefront of the development of globally relevant solutions.”
The event is being held virtually, enabling inclusive participation and real-time collaboration across time zones.
The department announced that the final prototypes and solution demonstrations will be showcased at the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting on 23 September.
These presentations will contribute to high-level discussions on climate adaptation, urban resilience, and the role of digital innovation in sustainable development.
“By harnessing the power of open innovation, the G20 RIWG hackathon exemplifies how international scientific cooperation can generate actionable insights and scalable technologies to build safer, more resilient communities in the face of growing environmental uncertainty,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
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