What an incredible journey it has been! After two days filled with rich dialogues, bold ideas, artistic activations, and deep connection, we step into Day 3 — the final day of TC/ESG25.
Yesterday brought everything from UNRULY’s moving performance to the plenary Beyond Goals—Pathways to Transformative Change, where Frank Biermann and Karen O’Brien challenged us to confront the limits of the SDGs and reflect on what it takes to move from global ambition to real, systemic change. Alongside this, immersive sessions explored land justice, coral futures, and embodied sustainability. The energy in the rooms, and in the conversations in the hallways and over meals, has been nothing short of inspiring.
Today we wrap up our time together with another full program of sessions and dialogues, leading into our closing reflections. It’s a chance to carry forward the ideas, connections, and creative sparks that have emerged over these transformative days.
Morning Highlights
Mindful Movement & Meditation 🕐 07:45–08:30 | 📍 Gala A
Gentle movement and guided meditation with Lucy Draper-Clarke to connect body, mind, and the day’s themes.
Final Plenary
Final plenary is a moment to come together one last time, to reflect on what we’ve shared, celebrate the milestones we’ve reached & look ahead to what’s next. With reflections from across our community, the presentation of the Oran Young Prize, synthesis from Susi Moser, and the announcement of the 2026 ESG Conference, this session brings our journey full circle. We’ll also hear what’s ahead for ESG Project & the Transformations Community before closing with gratitude. Check details.
Sessions Across Tracks
Parallel sessions unfold across the venue, offering a range of perspectives on social-ecological transformation:
💥 Addressing Regime Resistance to Accelerate Just and Resilient Sustainability Transformations
🕐 08:30–10:00 | 📍 Marathon B
Why do entrenched systems hold back change? With case studies from South Africa, Australia, and Germany, the conversation goes straight to the heart of what’s blocking just, resilient futures.
💥 Between Ethics and Impact: A Multi-Sited Dialogue on Navigating Sustainability Transition, Transdisciplinarity, and Transformation Research (III)
🕐 10:30–12:00 | 📍 Captains
How do we balance impact with integrity? This global dialogue wrestles with the ethical dilemmas of transformation research — from co-producing knowledge equitably to bridging the gap between research and real-world change.
💥 Transforming Conservation Landscapes: Global Pathways and Local Realities
🕐 13:00–14:30 | 📍 Champions
Anchored in Kruger National Park and SANParks’ Vision 2040, this T-Lab blends global perspectives with local realities to rethink conservation futures. Participants will map transformative pathways and co-create strategies for more just and inclusive conservation systems.
💥 Environmental Management and Assessment Approaches
🕐 14:40–16:10 | 📍 Ballroom
From whales in Arctic communities to food system mapping in Africa, from innovative Nature-Based Solutions to transformational leadership in Antarctica, this session showcases diverse methods for reimagining environmental governance.
Arts & Wellbeing Today
🌀 Healing and Finding Meaning: Climate Change Reflections through Art
🕐 08:30–10:00 | 📍 Strikers
Explore climate grief and meaning-making through the Art of the Anthropocene exhibition.
🌀 Short Film Showcase
🕐 10:30–12:00 | 📍 Centenary
A visual journey of short films blending art, activism, and sustainability storytelling.
🌀 Blue Burning Africa (Film)
🕐 13:00–14:30 | 📍 Centenary
Documentary capturing grassroots resistance to offshore oil and gas in South Africa.
🌀 Weaving Connections: Co-Creating Art in Community with Nature
🕐 13:00–14:30 | 📍 Ethel & James Grey Park
Create ephemeral land art together in nature through mindful walking and reflection.
Umuntu Akalahlwa by Simangaliso Sibiya & Gopolang Ledwaba 📍First Floor Foyer & Film Room
Eco Art Walk
Monday’s Eco Art Walk was well-received, and Hannelie Coetzee is offering it one more time tomorrow. Join the ART Collective on a guided journey through the River Creature sculpture series; artworks crafted entirely from river waste and building rubble. Bring your hat & water!
🕘 Friday, 9:00–11:30 AM
📍 Meet in the Protea Hotel Lobby at 9:00 sharp
👉 Book your spot here
Highlights From Yesterday
