The four-day conference, held at the UMP Mbombela Campus, focused on empowering and mentoring emerging researchers and innovators working to address societal challenges, helping to cultivate the next generation of contributors in this critical field.
Themed, Transformational Science for Social and Economic Empowerment in a Changing World, the conference sought to facilitate networking among global change stakeholders, strengthen partnerships, and support improved research and innovation.
Bringing together scientists, policymakers, students, and innovators, the event provided a platform to share research, examine environmental challenges, and build collaborations that support South Africa’s resilience.
The conference created a platform for attendees to share research, examine challenges and seek solutions to South Africa’s environmental issues.
The conference addressed the following themes:
- Pivoting and positioning STI for socio-economic development (entrepreneurship, transformation, and empowerment)
- Building resilient communities in the face of increasing natural disasters
- Technology and infrastructure as enablers for research
In his welcoming address, Professor Aldo Stroebel, UMP DVC: Research, Innovation & Internationalisation, underscored the urgency of environmental issues.
“This conference highlights the importance of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and food insecurity,” he said, emphasising the need for collaboration. “Global change requires pluralistic perspectives. Indigenous knowledge is essential for global knowledge production.”
Ms Lindi Masina, Mpumalanga MEC for Education, noted that the effects of environmental change in the province are increasingly evident. She encouraged deeper cooperation and action, adding: “This conference aims to spark dialogue, inspire collaboration, and empower participants to navigate global challenges.”
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Ms Bernice Swarts, linked the discussions to national and global climate priorities.
The conference brought together participants from research, business, government, and civil society.
“This is a moment for transformative science for social and economic empowerment. We must strengthen cooperation, scale up innovation, and move from commitment to implementation,” she said.
She highlighted Mpumalanga’s role in South Africa’s transition, adding: “The accelerated coal transition programme and the Climate Investment Fund are central to creating sustainable livelihoods while reducing emissions.”
Speaking on behalf of the National Research Foundation, Dr Zolani Dyosi reaffirmed the NRF’s long-standing support for climate and global change research.
“The NRF has supported global change research in South Africa for nearly 20 years. We need knowledge that is not only rigorous but also actionable and impactful.”
The programme featured high-level presentations, parallel sessions, oral and case study presentations, visual research displays, and panel discussions exploring selected topics.
Local and international speakers shared current South African research, technology, and innovation trends within the global change sphere, as well as potential approaches to key environmental challenges.
The conference brought together more than 500 participants from research, business, government, and civil society, who engaged on environmental issues and shared the latest insights related to global change.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by CL Photography. Copyright © UMP