Prof. David Guwatudde from Makerere University’s School of Public Health will represent Uganda at the United Nations 79th General Assembly (UNGA79) Science Summit in New York next week.
Scheduled for Wednesday, 19th September 2024, Prof. Guwatudde’s presentation will highlight adolescent health research in sub-Saharan Africa, part of the efforts by the DASH Network (Research Network for the Design and Evaluation of Adolescent Health Interventions and Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa).
The Science Summit at UNGA79, which runs from 10th to 27th September, serves as a platform for global scientific collaboration, bringing together experts from across disciplines to discuss the role of science in addressing global challenges and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With a strong focus on promoting health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, DASH aims to address critical issues around adolescent health, spanning key areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and violence.
Prof. Guwatudde will join Prof. Angela Chukwu from the University of Ibadan Research Foundation, with each delivering a 10-minute presentation on DASH’s initiatives and its potential policy impact, according to a news update this site accessed on the School of Public Health website.
The presentations will take place from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm East African Time (9:00 am to 1:00 pm New York Time). The presentations will emphasize the DASH Network’s contributions to advancing population-based research and policy-making for adolescent health in the region.
DASH is a multidisciplinary research initiative involving institutions from seven sub-Saharan African countries, as well as partners from Germany and the United States. The Network is committed to enhancing adolescent health outcomes through targeted interventions and sustainable policy frameworks, drawing on the unique challenges and opportunities in the region.
The UNGA79 Science Summit, now in its second year, is a hybrid event offering both online and in-person sessions, building on the success of last year’s summit, which featured over 1,700 speakers and more than 400 sessions.
This year’s event will bring together a diverse array of experts to discuss how science can contribute to achieving the UN’s Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Among the key objectives of the summit are fostering global collaboration, enhancing access to scientific data for low- and middle-income countries, and promoting sustainable technologies. The summit will also focus on strengthening partnerships and capacity-building efforts in developing countries, key components of SDG 17, which emphasizes empowering sustainable development through global partnerships and innovation.
In line with the overarching theme, “Science for Global Challenges,” the summit will feature presentations, workshops, roundtables, and plenary sessions that address each of the 17 UN SDGs.
By promoting inclusive science and enabling global cooperation, the summit aims to catalyze scientific innovation and knowledge sharing to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Prof. Guwatudde’s participation at the UNGA79 Science Summit is a significant milestone for Uganda’s scientific community, highlighting the country’s contributions to global health research and policy development.
His presentation will not only showcase DASH’s work but also demonstrate how regional research initiatives are playing a crucial role in improving adolescent health across sub-Saharan Africa.
For more on this story, visit: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/events/dash-research-network-present-science-summit-during-79th-un-general-assembly-new-york
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Arinaitwe Rugyendo
Rugyendo is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ResearchFinds News. He’s an accomplished journalist with a rich background in the media industry in Uganda. With over two decades of experience, Rugyendo has held various roles including cab reporter, Bureau Chief, Managing Editor, and Digital Media Editor at renowned publications such as Daily Monitor and Red Pepper. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to delivering high-quality journalism and staying at the forefront of media trends. In addition to his journalistic pursuits, Rugyendo is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Journalism and Communication at Makerere University. He has been recognized for his outstanding leadership and commitment to social change as a Desmond Tutu Fellow and Crans Montana New Leader. Rugyendo also serves as the Chairman of Young Engineers Uganda and Uganda Premier League, showcasing his dedication to promoting excellence and growth in various fields. With a passion for driving innovation and pushing boundaries in media, Rugyendo continues to make significant contributions to the industry. His vast experience, academic pursuits, and leadership roles make him a respected figure in the Ugandan media landscape.