View from the Sides: International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly

​The 32nd General Assembly of The International Astronomical Union (IAU) was held from 6-15 August, 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa. This is the first time the GA has been held in Africa, since the founding of the IAU in 1919. Many thanks to the joint efforts of The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF), Department of Science and Innovation, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development and the African Astronomical Society.

​Astronomy is one of the thematic priority areas of the African Outer Space Programme. The interest of the African Union in the development of astronomy in Africa can, in part, be traced to 2010, when African Heads of States and Governments endorsed South Africa's bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

​Join us as we reflect on the deliberations, outcomes and impact of the IAU-GA. We shall also discuss how to build on the current interests and momentum, especially for the next generation of astronomers.

​Leading the discussion are:

​- Charles Takalana, PhD (Deputy Director, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development)

​- James O. Chibueze (Professor, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika)

​- Carla Mitchell Sharpe (Africa Programme Manager, SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory)

​- Youssef Moulane (Research Scientist, Institute of Applied Physics, UM6P - Mohammed VI Polytechnic University)