MCom Student Attends World Science Forum Conference

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Master of Commerce in Marketing student Ms Kelisha Pandaram, who attended the World Science Forum Conference in Cape Town last year, said it was an opportunity to explore how science and commerce can be merged to come up with solutions to global challenges.

Pandaram was selected as a student representative from the College of Law and Management Studies to participate in the 2022 Habitable Planet Workshop under the National Research Foundation (NRF) during the WSF conference.

The WSF is one of the most influential global platforms to interrogate what roles science should play in society. The event convened under the theme of ‘Science for Social Justice’ where different organisations debated what role science should play in ensuring resources, and opportunities in society.

‘Science and business are often treated as two separate disciplines. The forum focused on the social and economic relevance, influence, and responsibilities of science,’ she said.

Pandaram hopes to use her research to bring together scientists, businesses, and leaders to come up with strategies to address environmental degradation and inequality and promote sustainability, peace, and justice.

‘I am passionate about commerce and science and plan to incorporate both in my research to identify innovative solutions to global challenges such as climate change and to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),’ she said.

This biennial conference brought together leading global science organisations and government officials and business leaders from across the globe. The most recent event involved 150 lectures in different sessions addressing current concerns of Social Justice and ethical challenges arising from the rapid advances in technology.

‘I had the privilege of networking with many accomplished people, including astronauts, scientists, researchers, leaders, representatives and ministers, from all over the world.  Amongst distinguished guests were His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, Honourable Minister of Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande, Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, and CEO and Space Adventures traveler Dr Anousheh Ansari. It was truly an enlightening and inspirational experience,’ said Pandaram.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied