Andrea Marais-Potgieter is a Conservation Psychologist who recently completed post-doctoral fellowships at the School of Human and Community Development, Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand with Prof. Andrew Thatcher, and at the Global Change Institute with Prof. Laura Pereira. Her research explores the role of the human psyche in…
This August, we gathered in Johannesburg to reimagine how transformation happens — bringing with us diverse disciplines, traditions, and ways of knowing. Some moments asked us to sit with discomfort and complexity. Others opened space for play, imagination, and care — all part of a gathering alive with creativity and connection. Nothing captures the energy of TC/ESG25 better than this 3-minute video. Watch the Recap Film!
Keep the momentum going! The Transformations Community and the Earth System Governance Project invite TC/ESG25 participants to build on the conversations sparked in Johannesburg by contributing to a range of post-conference publications. Available pathways include: These opportunities are designed to share your work with wider audiences and deepen the collective learning sparked…
In August 2025, over 400 participants from 50+ countries came together in Johannesburg for TC/ESG25, a living experiment in rethinking sustainability transformations through justice, creativity, and collaboration. With 330+ speakers and more than 130 sessions, the conference brought science, art, policy, and community into conversation, building momentum across geographies and…
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 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…
Shifting the Frame — What Real Transformations Demand Following an energizing first day filled with dialogue, insight, and artistic expression, Day 2 of TC/ESG25 invited us to go deeper — beyond the metrics, goals, and declarations, and into the more difficult, necessary work of transformation. From a sobering and provocative…
TC/ESG25 is now underway! The official opening of the conference began this morning in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing our community from around the world – all committed to shaping just and sustainable futures. With more than 130 sessions and 330+ speakers spanning climate justice, biodiversity, arts & wellbeing, and systemic change,…
The Wits-GCI Transformations and Sustainability Winter School gathered 20 early-career researchers from 11 countries for an unforgettable week in Kruger National Park’s Skukuza Camp. From 11–15 August, the bushveld became both classroom and meeting ground; where cutting-edge discussions on climate change, adaptation, and justice intertwined with early morning game drives,…
On August 13, Leocadio Juracán Salomé, a Guatemalan Indigenous campesino leader and invited speaker at the TC/ESG25 conference, was detained at La Aurora Airport while travelling to Johannesburg. He was en route to join colleagues from the Translocal Learning Network to share his experience defending Indigenous land rights and advancing systemic…
From immersive theatre and ocean justice storytelling to hands-on art-making, slow fashion, and quiet spaces for reflection, the Creative Arts & Wellbeing program offers moments to pause, connect, and see the conference themes from new perspectives. Featured Exhibitions & Activations EmpatheatreEmpatheatre creates community-rooted theatre that addresses societal challenges through empathy…
Whether you’re looking to experience the full 3-day conference or prefer to attend for just a day, we offer flexible options to suit your needs. Join us as we bring together researchers, experts, and community partners to explore key themes in sustainability transformations and global impact. From thought-provoking presentations to…
Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability Special Issue: The State of Knowledge on Social Transformations to Sustainability | Edited by Bruce Goldstein and Susi Moser This special issue explores what we currently know, and what gaps remain, about the social transformations required to address today’s sustainability challenges. It brings together research examining changes across…
