High-level conference on the second EDCTP programme

The high-level conference on the second EDCTP programme was be held on 5 November 2012 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa. The conference marked an important step in the consultation of African and international stakeholders on the second programme of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP2, 2014-2024). It also aimed to raise additional public and private engagement, and support to EDCTP activities. The high-level conference provided a forum to discuss stakeholders needs, opportunities and expectations in EDCTP2. It also provided endorsement and announced commitments and pledges.

The following four strategic key issues regarding EDCTP2 was addressed and conclusions sought:

1. Lessons learnt from EDCTP1
2. Scope of EDCTP2
3. Role and commitment of the participating European and African countries
4. private sector participation and engagement in EDCTP2, in particular of industry, foundations and charities.

Invited participants included European, African and international high-level representatives from policy, industry, patient organisations, non-governmental organisations and research community.

The conference was organised jointly by the South African Department for Science & Technology, the European Commission and EDCTP on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Science &Technology cooperation agreement between the European Union and South Africa.