TC/ESG25 Recordings
Plenary Sessions
Our plenaries were moments to gather, listen, and speak across boundaries of discipline, place, and practice.
Each session invited us to confront the realities of the polycrisis while imagining pathways for just and sustainable futures.
Opening Plenary – Setting the Stage
Hosted by Laura Pereira, the opening welcomed us into Johannesburg with messages from Wits University, the South African government, and the Transformations Community. David Obura’s keynote on global biodiversity futures anchored the session, followed by a panel with Dylan McGarry and Mpume Mthombeni that opened the space for reflection and audience participation.
Situating African Issues in the Transformation Context
This plenary highlighted African-led initiatives in urban renewal, renewable energy, youth-driven environmental action, and the creative integration of art and science. Case studies and policy leadership demonstrated how African scholars and practitioners are shaping globally relevant models of transformation and expanding the conversation on futures that are both just and viable.
Beyond Goals—Pathways to Transformative Change
Frank Biermann and Karen O’Brien examined the limits of the SDGs and offered perspectives on what it takes to move from global goals to systemic change. Joined by David Obura, youth voices, practitioners, and Global South leaders, the panel explored how agency, context, and relationships can turn ambition into real transformation.
Final Plenary – Reflections, Gratitude, and What Comes Next
The final plenary closed the conference with gratitude, recognition, and future directions. Jonathan Pickering and Cristina Inoue reflected on ESG’s role, followed by Susan Park presenting the Oran Young Prize with a message from Oran himself. Shamilla Wilson spoke on wellbeing and care, before Susi Moser’s keynote challenged and inspired. Closing remarks from Mikael Karlsson, Bruce Goldstein, and the 2026 host pointed to what comes next.
Together, these plenaries traced a journey — from opening the space in Johannesburg, to grounding transformation in African contexts, to questioning global frameworks, and finally to closing with reflection and resolve. They remind us that transformation is not a single conversation,
but an unfolding dialogue we carry forward into our work and communities.
Featured Sessions
Between Breakdown and Presence: Transformations and Governance in a Time of Rupture
In a time of rupture and destabilization, how can we meet the moment with integrity, agency, and courage? This participatory plenary carried forward themes from the morning keynote with reflections from leading voices, small-group dialogues, and closing insights from Karen O’Brien and Frank Biermann.
Who Shapes Coral Futures: Imagination, Voice, and Power in a Time of Collapse
Half of global coral reef cover is already lost — and business-as-usual governance won’t meet the challenge ahead. This 90-minute interactive panel brought together case studies from Honduras, the Caribbean, Australia, and global futures work to probe how reef governance can be reimagined. With contributions from practitioners, researchers, and global leaders, the session opened space to reflect on legitimacy, cultural values, power, and the futures we want for reefs.
Interviews and Reflections
Bruce Goldstein
Transformations Community
Laura Pereira
Wits University
Karen O'Brien
University of Oslo
David Obura
CORDIO East Africa
Blane Harvey
McGill University
Gina Ziervogel
University of Cape Town
Johan Enqvist
Stockholm University
Dineo Sithole
Alexandra Water Warriors
Mbongeni Buthelezi
Artist
Neo Seletisha
The Antidote
Haki Mngomezulu
The Antidote
Asanele Mangali
The Antidote
Anthonette Quayee
Concerns for Nature
Sipho Gwala
Artist
Explore More from the Transformations Community
Visit our YouTube Channel to explore the growing collection of recordings and insights from our global community.
