The sixth National Global Change Conference was hosted from December 1 to 4 by the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Research Foundation (NRF). It brought together more than 500 participants from research, business, government, and civil society to engage on ecological issues and contribute to a sustainable future.

UMP’s deputy vice-chancellor of research, innovation and internationalisation, Prof Aldo Stroebel, stressed the importance of addressing environmental concerns.

“We must work together to secure a resilient future. Global change requires diverse perspectives,” he said. “Indigenous knowledge is essential for global knowledge production.”

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MEC for education Lindi Masina said that ecological changes in Mpumalanga are now a reality. She hoped the conference would spark dialogue, inspire collaboration and empower participants to address global challenges.

The deputy minister of forestry, fisheries and environmental affairs, Bernice Swarts, connected the conference to national and global climate priorities. “This is a moment for transformative science for social and economic empowerment. We must strengthen co-operation, scale up innovation and move from commitment to implementation,” she said.

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“The accelerated coal transition programme and the Climate Investment Fund are central to creating sustainable livelihoods while reducing emissions.”

Dr Zolani Dyosi of the NRF said: “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.”