Why FACTS and Think Tanks Matter
Think tanks are public-policy research analysis and engagement organizations that generate policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues, thereby enabling policy makers and the public to make informed decisions about public policy (Credit: Jim McGann). Think Tanks play big roles in transforming our societies. They are involved in promoting research-based decision-making in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, economic development, leadership, healthcare innovation, governance and democracy, to name but a few. For example, they produce policy briefs for decision-makers that are in fact, findings and recommendations from research papers in an easy-to-read and short document (2,500 words maximum).
The 2017 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, listed 7,815 think tanks around the world. 8.5% (of 7,815) are based in Sub-Sahara Africa i.e., 665 think tanks. Cameroon has 22 think tanks that are listed, and, the first Cameroonian think tank comes in the 88thposition, out of 90 in Sub-Sahara Africa.
The purpose of this event is to highlight the critical role Think Tanks play in Cameroon. This is also an opportunity to explore the think tank landscape in Cameroon. An objective is to create a platform that engages and mobilizes think tanks which have demonstrated their ability to produce independent and cutting-edge analysis on a wide range of topics.
This event is in line with the vision and mission of the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. Our mission is to catalyze the economic transformation of African countries by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology, health, and the implementation of development policies which will create economic opportunities for all.
Participation
The event is open to the public. However, specific interests include:
- Think tanks;
- Researchers and Analysts;
- Policy makers;
- Non-governmental organizations & civil societies;
- Journalists, etc.
Fee
There is no registration fee.
Areas of concern
The event consists of two panel discussions of two (2) hours each. Each panel is composed of four think tank representatives and one individual from the Ministry of research and innovation. They will be addressing the general question: “Why Facts and Think Tanks Matter in Cameroon’’. Specific discussions will target the following topics:
Panel 1: The Role Think Tanks Play in Cameroon
Panel 2: The Think Tank Landscape in Cameroon
Expected outcomes
At the end of this event, participants should be able to:
- Understand the role Think Tanks play in Cameroon and why facts are relevant in policy;
- Evaluate the current impact of Think Tanks in Cameroon;
- Know the challenges Think Tanks face in undertaking their mission in the country;
- Propose policies that can help Think Tanks have greater outreach in Cameroon.
Date: Thursday 31stJanuary 2019.
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00pm.
Venue: Conference Hall, Muna Foundation (724-742 Rue de Narvick, across the General Directorate of Taxation and adjacent to the Ministry of Public Contracts in the Yaoundé City Center).
Tentative Programme
9:00 – 9:30 Arrival and registration of participants.
9:30 – 9:45 Opening remarks.
9:45 – 10:45 First panel discussion on ‘The Role Think Tanks Play in Cameroon’.
10:45 – 11:15 Questions – Answers.
11:15 – 11:30 Coffee break.
11:30 – 12:30 Second panel discussion on ‘The Think Tank Landscape in Cameroon’.
12:30 – 13:00 Questions – Answers.
13:00 – 13:15 Vote of thanks and closing remarks.
13:15 – 14:00 Finger food break and networking.
14:00 End of the event & departure.
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