Partnership opportunities

For the first time in Africa, the Transformations Conference will join forces with the Earth System Governance (ESG) project to bring this leading-edge event to South Africa, offering both in-person and online participation. This hybrid format presents a unique opportunity to connect with the foremost developments in sustainability transformations theory and practice from around the globe. As we prepare for this landmark event, we seek sponsors who share our commitment to sustainability and positive transformations. Your support will help us attract international academics and key decision-makers in sustainability-related fields and enhance your visibility within a global community dedicated to impactful change.

This is a unique opportunity to:

Connect with the Transformations
Community and ESG Network:
Build transformative relationships with the world’s leading action researchers working at the cutting-edge of sustainability transformations.

Gain access to key decision-makers from public, private, academic sectors and build relationships with fellow experts working on shared areas of interest.

Reach a global audience: Increase worldwide awareness of your organization.

Showcase your work and be recognized as a key supporter of transformations. Present your institution’s recent activities to an informed and well-connected audience.

Increase capacity for innovation and transformation, accelerating transformative action research towards thriving futures for all.

Sponsorship opportunities are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with the possibility of being revisited for future considerations. Tailored packages are available for the global event, for individual local hubs, or specific conference tracks.

For more details please contact Thomas Haselböck (TC) or Blake Harvey (ESG)

We invite partners to contribute in the following ways:

  • Financial or in-kind sponsorship of the conference, such as scholarships for participants from the Global South and marginalized communities

  • Logistical and organizational support

  • Conference program development, including session chairing, or reviews of sessions and themes

  • Storytelling support, which could include media partnership & dissemination, graphic recording of the conference, writing material for social media and assisting with a publication to capture the outcomes of the conference.

History and purpose

The biennial series of international Transformations conferences began in 2013 with the "Transformation in a Changing Climate" conference at the University of Oslo, Norway. From the outset, this conference series aimed to create a unique transdisciplinary space for scholars, practitioners, and artists working on transformations towards sustainability to engage in dialogue and practice. Conference sessions moved away from traditional academic presentations in favor of short presentations, long conversations, and practical workshops. Artistic and creative practices were integral to the program, and participants had opportunities to learn about local transformations in the host city.

The conference series has continued to grow, addressing significant themes such as solving problems in the Anthropocene (Sweden, 2015), transformations in practice (Scotland, 2017), learning from transformative action and thinking (Chile, 2019), and enabling positive tipping points in an uncertain world (Online, 2021). The sixth conference in 2023 convened a global network of scholars and practitioners in Sydney, with simultaneous online access and hubs in Prague and Maine, Portland. Themed "Transformative Partnerships for a Better World," it featured a wide range of high-quality sessions, fostering valuable connections and community engagement. 

These conferences have led to the establishment of a permanent Transformations Community with an active online presence and a growing program of activities.

The Earth System Governance Project is the largest global network of social scientists focused on environmental and sustainability governance. The annual ESG conference is a cornerstone event, convening the community around the Earth System Governance Science and Implementation Plan, which sets the research agenda for the next decade. These conferences attract 250-350 participants, with increasing attendance due to the hybrid format that allows global participation both in-person and virtually.

The tradition of ESG conferences dates back to 2007 in Amsterdam, with subsequent events in locations such as Colorado, Lund, Tokyo, Norwich, Canberra, Nairobi, Utrecht, Oaxaca, Bratislava, Toronto, Nijmegen, and virtual forums. Recent conferences have tackled themes like transformative governance in the context of climate change (Bratislava, 2021), sustainability transitions in response to emerging crises (Toronto, 2022), and bridging sciences and societies for sustainability transformations (Nijmegen, 2023). The 2023 conference featured 678 participants from over 45 countries, with 91 panels and 420 presentations, emphasizing inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration.

The ESG Project partners with universities and organizations worldwide, often utilizing co-hosting arrangements to fund conferences and maintain reasonable registration fees. Previous co-hosts have included renowned universities like Yale, Lund, Keio, and Utrecht; international research institutes such as the German Development Institute and the Stockholm Environment Institute; and large research projects and national PhD schools. These partnerships enrich ESG conferences and enhance visibility and interaction with the global research community.

Wits University, the local host for the Transformations Community/ESG Conference 2025, stands as one of Africa's premier institutions of higher education and research. Founded in 1896, Wits University has established a reputation for academic excellence, pioneering research, and a deep commitment to social justice. The university offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, creating a vibrant intellectual environment that nurtures critical thinking and innovation.

Wits University is not just an academic institution; it is a hub for impactful research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time. The university’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration makes it an ideal host for the Transformations Community/ESG Conference, aligning with the conference’s goals of fostering sustainability and social equity. With its deep roots in Johannesburg, a city known for its history of transformation and resilience, Wits University provides a unique and dynamic setting for this significant global event.

The 2025 conference at Wits University will be a key moment for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage with the latest research and practices in sustainability and governance. By partnering with Wits, the conference leverages the university’s resources and expertise, ensuring a meaningful and impactful gathering for all participants.

Organizers & Partners:

Bruce Goldstein

Lead Weaver,
Transformations Community

Professor, University of the Witwatersrand

Laura Pereira

Kyla Tienhaara

Associate Professor, Queen’s University; Member of the ESG Network’s Scientific Steering Committee

Our network includes academic institutions, corporate allies, and community advocates, all dedicated to fostering sustainable transformations. Read more about the TC/ESG 2025
organizers, partners, and different committees.