Rhodes University Distinguished Professor Tebello Nyokong has been appointed to a United Nations (UN) high-level panel to advise on the organisational and operational aspects of the proposed Technology Bank and Science, Technology and Innovation Supporting Mechanism dedicated to the least-developed countries (LDCs).

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon had asked the panel, comprising five women and five men from LDCs and their development partners, to prepare practical recommendations on the matter, which could provide a strong impetus to accelerating structural transformation and sustainable development of the LDCs.

“To know that the office of the UN secretary-general even knows that I exist was such a huge surprise and a great honour. So it goes with my belief that Rhodes University is a leading university. This gives me hope that I can meaningfully be involved in mechanisms for establishing a science and technology base on the African continent,” Nyokong said.

She added that she believed she had a clear picture of the challenges facing African science research and technology development, and hoped to start being part of the solution through her participation in the panel.

“The team I will be working with includes people with vast experience in science and technology policy. I am more on the grassroots dealing with students. It is good to have such a diverse group working together,” Nyokong said.

The panel would hold its first meeting in February and was expected to submit its report to the secretary-general during summer next year, for transmission to the UN general assembly during its seventieth session.