Mr Junaid Sorosh-Wali, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Sudan, joined H.E. Abdullah Mohamed Daraf, Minister of Justice; Prof. Ahmed Musa Madawi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; and Eng. Mohamed Kartikala Saleh, Minister of Federal Governance and Rural Development, at the opening of the International Forum on the Cost of Lost Knowledge, held on 21–22 October 2026 at Africa International University in Khartoum.
Organised by the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils (FASRC) and Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, under the initiative “Solidarity for the Future – Scientific Research Cannot Wait”, the forum brings together more than 100 participants, including university vice-chancellors, researchers, experts and national stakeholders, under the theme “Restoring Scientific Activity in Crisis-Affected Countries”.
“The war has caused extensive destruction to higher education institutions and research centers.“ said Prof. Ahmed Musa Madawi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
The cost of losing knowledge
Since the conflict began in April 2023, Sudan’s scientific and higher education institutions have faced extensive damage, displacement of researchers and disruption of academic and scientific activities.
According to figures presented at the forum, 124 educational and scientific institutions have been damaged, with estimated restoration costs approaching USD 870 million.
Beyond the physical destruction, the interruption of scientific research threatens years of accumulated knowledge, weakens institutions and limits opportunities for the next generation of Sudanese researchers.
“Wars are the most dangerous crises threatening education and scientific research.“ Said H.E. Abdullah Mohamed Daraf, Minister of Justice
Addressing the forum, Mr Sorosh-Wali emphasised that restoring scientific activity must be recognised as an essential part of Sudan’s recovery. He recalled Sudan’s longstanding contributions to knowledge and innovation, stressing that its scientists, researchers and academic institutions remain among the country’s most important assets.
“The cost of lost knowledge goes far beyond damaged buildings and laboratories. It is also measured in interrupted research, displaced expertise and opportunities that future generations may never recover. Restoring scientific activity is therefore an investment in Sudan’s future.” Said Mr Junaid Sorosh-Wali, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Sudan.
