Research and innovation have made significant strides recently, demanding new responsible forms of participation and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainability. In this context, Africa emerges as a global priority for sustainability. The continent faces significant environmental challenges but also holds immense potential to drive sustainability and sustainable development.

While digital communication among researchers has facilitated partnerships, and funding agencies encourage international collaboration, researchers still struggle to integrate into collaborative research and innovation networks effectively. The 12th International Workshop on Advances in Cleaner Production (12th IWACP) in Stellenbosch, South Africa, which took place in November 2023, provided a valuable opportunity to discuss and promote sustainable practices and innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact and encourage international collaboration.

By bringing together experts from diverse fields, the 12th IWACP created a conducive environment for exchanging ideas, identifying opportunities for implementing more sustainable practices and gaining the commitment of researchers and specialists to address these challenges. In the spirit of international collaboration, participants of the 12th IWACP agreed to and signed the FIVE PRINCIPLES for International Collaboration in Research and Innovation for Sustainability:

FIVE PRINCIPLES for International Collaboration in Research and Innovation for Sustainability:

#1 Comprehensive assessment: Leading researchers and collaborators should be evaluated Comprehensive and holistically, considering criteria tailored to relevant contexts such as disciplinary area and career stage. This includes valuing international collaboration, interdisciplinary work, and diversity of perspectives.

#2 Open disclosure: Research projects should adopt open disclosure of data and results using accessible digital platforms. This allows for reevaluation, replicability, and continuous adjustments, promoting transparency in research and contributing to open data practices and open science.

#3 Responsible and inclusive research: Research approaches and practices should promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in all dimensions. It is essential to create an inclusive research environment, accessible to and valuing the participation of researchers from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives.

#4 Mobility and interoperability: Promoting researcher mobility and interoperability of research systems requires joint efforts from institutions, funding agencies, and researchers. Removing barriers and facilitating collaboration among researchers from different countries, institutions, and disciplines is crucial fostering lasting partnerships and exchanging knowledge and resources.

#5 Collaboration and best practices: Continuous collaboration and sharing of best practices are essential to reduce misconduct that could affect research groups within a project. Exchanging experiences and cooperating among researchers strengthen research practices and promote scientific integrity.

Researchers that signed the Stellenbosch Declaration: