"Thank you sincerely for the immense effort, dedication, and success poured into this past week. The organisation was exceptional, and I believe South Africa was showcased in powerful, beautiful, and memorable ways. It felt like the grounding force, the “superglue”, that held the imaginative and collaborative process between Earth System Governance and the Transformations Community together throughout the conference. I’m grateful for being included, and even more so for the thoughtful effort that made that inclusion possible. More strength to your bows, and I wish you rest for the coming days."

"It was truly a pleasure to attend the recent conference. The event was an excellent opportunity to connect with peers and senior researchers in the field of transformative change, and I deeply appreciate the effort that went into its organization."

"TCESG25 conference is over, as inspiring and energizing as I hoped when deciding on the journey to Johannesburg, SA. 4 days full of: Kindness and care, Curiosity and learning, Courage for change, Collaboration, Creativity and beauty! Huge congratulations on the organisation of the marvellous and highly successful event, and an honest word of thanks, as I benefited greatly from it."

"Learning and having fun – that’s my motto! The past 2 weeks have been nothing short of inspiring. I joined the GCI & Wits University Winter School at Kruger National Park — an enriching pre-view to the TC/ESG25 Conference. From thought-provoking sessions to powerful conversations, I had the privilege to learn, share, and connect with brilliant minds from around the world. Grateful for the experiences, friendships, and ideas that will keep shaping our shared journey toward transformation."

"The TC/ESG25 Conference last week in Johannesburg wasn't your typical powerpoint and poster led conference. It was encouraging to hear from so many diverse voices in multiple formats - from theatre and film to interactive discussions. Visiting Alexandra and Soweto townships made the remaining disparities in the city very visual and emotional. Leaving Johannesburg, one thing stood out: we need to walk the talk, share power, and focus on the conditions that make real change possible. The big question is not only what we do but HOW we act."

"I just returned from an amazing week at the TC/Earth System Governance Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. What a gathering of scientists, practitioners, artists, and activists! I love talking with people who care deeply about transformative change for a just and sustainable world, and who see potential and are taking actions that matter."

"This week, I had the privilege of attending the 7th biennial Transformations Conference at the Wanderers Club—a space once marked by exclusion, now reimagined as a site of radical inclusion and possibility. The venue itself mirrored the heart of the gathering: transformation not as a destination, but as a continuous, courageous turning. The conference brought together voices from across the globe, with a powerful emphasis on the Global South. We listened deeply to stories, theories, and practices that challenge dominant paradigms and invite us to unlearn master narratives. We danced, we wept, we questioned. And while the road to full transformation is long and uneven, this conference pointed us toward the right turn—toward collective healing, toward equity, toward futures imagined by many. To everyone who held space, shared truth, and sparked change: thank you. Let’s keep turning."

"Last week, I participated in the conference. It is a warm-hearted research community with activist-minded professionals working towards a more sustainable world. With Seona Candy and Lauren Lambert, Ph.D., we organised a session on reducing polarization in sustainability topics through better participation and deliberative processes. My main learning was that empathy is the key. The root causes of polarization are often deep in the different fundamental values, and those cannot be transformed within single workshops. However, creating spaces where people from different bubbles can listen and understand each other is so crucial. Many thanks to the organisers and participants for the inspiring days!"

I would like to sincerely thank you for organizing such a wonderful and enriching conference! This year's conference was truly an unforgettable experience with highly insightful sessions, great talks with other scientists and everything beyond. The experience has greatly contributed to my academic and personal development and I am looking forward to keeping up with the community in the future. Last month I had the chance to attend two conferences in just two weeks and present & discuss my ongoing research on water management strategies at the #TCESG2025 in Johannesburg (South Africa). #TCESG2025 explored "Navigating Sustainability Transformations towards Justice and Equity" in a unique format bringing together the and the Earth System Governance Project for new connections. I really enjoyed the interactive sessions and lively discussions throughout the entire conference. Both conferences were great opportunities to exchange ideas and connect with old and new colleagues - looking forward to continuing the conversations! Now back at my desk to integrate the new thoughts into my work

Had an amazing time at the TC/ESG 2025 Conference in Johannesburg on navigating sustainability transformations towards justice and equity! Thank you to everyone involved in making this such an inspiring, creative and caring forum to be in!

It was a truly inspiring experience to participate in the #TCESG25 Conference in Johannesburg, where I presented the accompanying research by the Science Platform Sustainability 2030 (#wpn2030) on interactive formats at the science-policy-society interface, which help explore and implement sustainability transformations. The discussions have raised interesting questions that continue to resonate with me and provide valuable inspiration for my work.

Just back from two very different conferences – each inspiring in its own way and leaving me with many new ideas for my research. It was a real pleasure to present and discuss my work on how actors in Ghana and Indonesia perceive the legitimacy of the EU Deforestation Regulation. In Johannesburg, the #TCESG25 conference on “Navigating Sustainability Transformations towards Justice and Equity” brought together academics, practitioners, and artists to reflect on systemic change. The format was truly different to any other conference I’ve attended, creating space for felt experience, deep connection, and artistic expression. What a successful collaboration between the two communities and Earth System Governance Project. 🎭 I was especially moved by performances from #Empatheatre, which beautifully bridged research and theatre. Big recommendation to anyone in #CapeTown to check out their work!

Just got back from a thrilling experience at the conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, centered around the compelling theme of “Transformations”! I had the honor of attending and presenting at two powerful panels that truly underscored the significance of collaboration and transdisciplinary approaches. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to these enlightening sessions! Together, we shall continue to build robust knowledge systems for impactful change. Stay tuned for a more insightful blog coming soon! I thank Prof Julie G. Zähringer for advocating on how best ideas come while travelling and being in new places and the Wyss Academy for Nature as well as the early age faculty fund of the University of Bern and the Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF for financing my attendance to this thoroughly transformative conference.