Leaders come together to pursue sustainable development

MOSA MAOENG

MASERU – The Academic Forum for the Development of Lesotho (AFDeL) this week hosted the Lesotho Bicentennial Conference, which brought together academics, policymakers, and private sector leaders under the theme, “Advancing Epistemic Diversity and Pluralism for Sustainable Development”. The conference which was held at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) from Monday to Wednesday this week to commemorate this milestone and chart the future of sustainable development, takes place as Lesotho marks 200 years of Basotho nation-building,

The event seeks to reflect on the past, honour the ancestors, and explore the potential of diverse knowledge systems in addressing modern challenges. AFDeL Secretary General, Tšepo Mokuku, highlighted the significance of October 1 as the day Basotho came together to celebrate their ancestors, particularly King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation.

He said the conference was a platform to engage in a national dialogue that honours the past while focusing on “rebirth, reflection, and revival,” which are key themes for the bicentennial celebration. As Lesotho’s first 200 years were celebrated, the discussions were not just about honouring the past but were also about looking forward.

NUL Vice Chancellor, Professor Olusola Isaac Fajana, delivered a powerful keynote address in which he underlined the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in the pursuit of sustainable development. “We must celebrate this milestone, recognising that most of us won’t have the privilege of being here in the next 200 years. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reflect on our nation’s journey and look at how traditional knowledge has guided us through some of the most challenging periods,” he said.

Professor Fajana stressed the importance of indigenous knowledge in solving pressing issues, especially those related to food production, health, and economic challenges. Over centuries, Basotho have relied on traditional practices to overcome food storage and agricultural difficulties.

“This knowledge, passed from generation to generation, continues to play an invaluable role in our national development,” he added. NUL’s 2024-2029 strategic plan will emphasise the integration of these knowledge systems into formal research and development strategies, ensuring that they are recognised as vital to the country’s future growth.

One of the key moments of the conference was the speech delivered by ’Matšepo Mosoka, Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation, who spoke on behalf of Minister Nthati Moorosi. Mosoka eloquently described how Basotho are not only celebrating their 200 years of existence but also the knowledge that has sustained them. “The theme of this conference calls us to reflect on how diverse knowledge, from our own communities, can be combined to drive sustainable development. It is an opportunity to look at the wisdom our ancestors passed down and how it can be used to address the challenges we face today,” she said.

Mosoka cited Lesotho’s Science and Technology Policy of 2006, which advocates for blending traditional practices with modern innovations. She explained how combining traditional healing practices with modern medical advancements could yield new solutions to pressing health problems. Similarly, agricultural techniques passed down through generations could be merged with modern farming technologies to increase crop yield and improve food security.

“This blending of knowledge is essential not only for preserving our heritage but also for finding new ways to meet the challenges of today.” Throughout the three-day conference, discussions centred on how to preserve and protect Lesotho’s rich indigenous knowledge.

As part of the bicentennial commemoration, AFDeL released a press statement reminding Basotho of the principles of botho and sustainability, which were central to the conference. These principles, deeply rooted in Basotho culture, emphasise respect for all, patience, communal support, and peaceful debate – values that guided the conference’s discussions.

The conference also provided an opportunity for Basotho to reflect on the future of their nation. The challenge now lies in how to integrate traditional knowledge systems into modern frameworks of development. The conversations highlighted the necessity of preserving these traditions while adapting them to the modern world.