TC/ESG25 Conference

Navigating Sustainability Transformations Towards Justice and Equity

AUGUST 18–21, 2025
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

We are excited to announce the TC/ESG25 Conference, a collaboration between the Transformations Community, the Earth System Governance Project (ESG), and Wits University. For the first time, the Transformations Community will host its 7th biennial conference in Africa. With a focus on collaboration, this event brings together researchers, experts, and their community partners who co-produce knowledge and actionable solutions for sustainability transformations.

Registration for the TC/ESG25 Conference is now open!

Johannesburg, South Africa

Aug 18 - 21, 2025

Organizers & Co-Conveners

From Europe to South America, the United States to Australia, the Transformations Conference has connected minds globally. In 2025, we are excited to bring this event to Africa, expanding our global reach and further strengthening international collaboration in sustainability transformations.

For the 2025 edition, we are proud to partner with ESG project, the largest social science research network in the area of governance and global environmental change. ESG project has a rich history of hosting global conferences in cities like Amsterdam, Colorado, Lund, Tokyo, Nairobi, and Oaxaca.

2025 Partner Organisations

LOCATION

Johannesburg & Kruger
National Park, South Africa

LOCAL HOST

Wits University

DATE

August 18–21, 2025

THEME

Navigating Sustainability Transformations towards Justice and Equity

The main conference activities will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa,
with workshop and field trip opportunities in Kruger National Park.

Johannesburg embodies transformation. Known as a vibrant hub of innovation, culture, and social justice, it provides the perfect setting to explore the theme of Navigating Sustainability Transformations Towards Justice and Equity. Attendees will engage with Johannesburg’s unique history and dynamic present, exploring connections between sustainability and equity in a remarkable urban landscape. Attendees will benefit from Johannesburg’s accessibility, and vibrant cultural environment.

Pre-conference activities in Kruger will include field trips, game drives, and hands-on workshops that immerse participants in South Africa’s extraordinary ecology. The Early Career Researcher (ECR) Winter School will also take place in this inspiring setting, creating space for learning, connection, and creativity!

We’re excited to offer a unique South African experience—immersion in the natural wonders of Kruger National Park during pre-conference activities, followed by dynamic engagement with Johannesburg’s rich social and cultural landscape during the main conference.

TC/ESG 2025 Conference Themes:

Bridging and bonding

Transformative culture and learning

Disruptive change

Democracy and multilateralism under pressure

Note: The call for proposals is now closed.

TC/ESG25 features both theoretical and practical contributions, including techniques, strategies, workshops, and case studies. Emphasising case studies that demonstrate how practices lead to systemic change, ensuring actionable insights. This blend of theory and practice creates a dialogue that bridges academic rigor with real-world application.

First TC/ESG 2025 Catalysts

Karen O’Brien

Professor at University of Oslo, cCHANGE, IBPES

David Obura

Director of CORDIO East Africa, IPBES Chair

Together, they will reflect on the hard work and persistence behind global agreements and share insights on advancing the outcomes of the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment. Their contributions will help guide our community as we learn, reflect, and take action toward global sustainability transformations.

Get Involved!

Join the DoM committee and shape TC/ESG25.

Join the DoM (Department of Magic – design advisory committee) to help shape TC/ESG25.

Would you like to support the TC/ESG25 Conference?

Explore our sponsorship and partnership opportunities. Your contribution can help make this event a success and amplify our collective impact.

New to Our Conferences?

If you’re not familiar with our past conferences, we invite you to explore
the highlights and key takeaways from our previous editions.

Stay connected

Stay tuned for more updates and detailed agendas as we approach the event dates.
We look forward to welcoming you to South Africa for an unforgettable experience.

Explore More About Transformations ’25

Frequently asked questions

When does registration for the TC/ESG 2025 Conference begin?

Registration opens in March, 2025. Stay tuned for updates on event details by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media!

Where will the event be held?

The main conference activities will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa August from 18th-21st 2025, with pre-conference activities and field trips in Skukuza.

Who should attend the event?

The event invites action-oriented researchers and reflective practitioners from diverse sectors, such as academia, government, non-profits, and consulting firms. It seeks individuals committed to fostering sustainable and equitable futures through innovative leadership and participatory methods.

What can I expect from the event?

A transdisciplinary space for scholars, practitioners, and artists to come together in dialogue and practice. Short presentations, long conversations, and practical workshops. We anticipate including field trips and pre or post-conference workshop opportunities. Some conference sessions will be specifically designed to encourage attendance by policymakers and practitioners. A blend of science, arts, and humanities! Please take a look at some testimonials from our previous events.

Noted & Quoted

“Hosting the Transformations Conference 2023 in Sydney was a personally transformative experience. I continue to take great energy from the inspiring stories shared during the conference, the new connections made and the deep wisdom of our participants. It was an honour to continue building the Transformations Community, which has been such an invaluable source of support in my own career.”

“So excited to have made connections and spoken at the Transformations Conference 2023. It was such a generative and affirming experience to be among so many creative and courageous people doing amazing work around the world. Feeling inspired, humbled, and hopeful about this Transformations Community.”

“TC23 has come to an end. There were many highlights, mostly focused on the stimulating conversations and the seeds of new friendships and collaborations to come. Grateful to be part of such a vibrant and engaged community.”

TC/ESG25 Conference
August 18–21, 2025
Johannesburg, South Africa

TCX-York
June 25–27, 2025
University of York, UK

TC/ESG25 Conference starts in:

days

hours

minutes

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