August 26-28, 2025

International Conference on Climate Resilience - Smart and Sustainable Futures


Welcome to the International Conference on Climate Resilience, Smart and Sustainable Futures (ICCRSF 2025)

Switch OrganizationsInternational Conference on Climate Resilience-Smart and Sustainable Futures (ICCRSF 2025)

The International Conference on Climate Resilience, Smart and Sustainable Futures (ICCRSF 2025) is organised by the Vaal University of Technology’s Faculty of Human Sciences through a partnership with the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF), Great Zimbabwe University, the University of South Africa, University of Fort Hare Centre for Global Change, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Maasai Mara University (Kenya). In this regard, a diverse range of participants, including academic institutions and research centres focused on climate science and sustainability; government agencies responsible for environmental protection and agriculture; NGOs advocating for climate action and community resilience; and industry leaders from renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism, are invited. Furthermore, international organisations like the United Nations and World Bank, community-based organisations engaged in sustainable practices, students and researchers conducting relevant studies, policymakers involved in climate policy development, media representatives covering environmental issues, funding agencies supporting climate initiatives, and indigenous communities sharing traditional knowledge are also invited.

Date: 26-28 August 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa

1st Abstract Call and Early Bird Registation closes

15 March 2025

other dates

25 August Postgraduate Students Symposium

29 August 2025 Field Excursions

Sponsors and Partnering Universities

We are grateful to our sponsors who made this conference possible.

  • National Research Foundation
  • Vaal University of Technology
  • Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • University of South Africa
  • Maasai Mara University
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Great Zimbabwe University
  • University of Forthare Centre for Global Change
  • Tourism Educators Association South Africa

Speakers to look out for at the conference

The best speakers in the field will be gathered during the event. These include the following

  • Prof Godwell Nhamo (PhD)

    Prof Godwell Nhamo (PhD)

    University of South Africa

    Godwell Nhamo (PhD Rhodes University) is a Full Professor, National Research Foundation C1-Rated, and a current University of South Africa (UNISA) employee. His research space includes Climate Change, Coastal Resilience and Livelihoods, and Sustainable Development (Goals). Prof Nhamo has a passion for capacity development and mentoring (young) people for success in the academic and business spheres. He has published 19 books (15 edited and four co-authored), over 120 journal articles and many book chapters. Since 2013, Prof Nhamo has graduated 14 PhDs and hosted 13 postdoctoral fellows. Prof Nhamo is also one of the experts for the Non-economic Losses Group under the UNFCCC Warsaw International Mechanisms on Loss and Damage. He also sits in the Gauteng Premier Climate Change Experts Group. He has over 27 years of experience in the academic and consulting spaces of engagements and advocates for open access educational resources. Prof Nhamo is a recipient of many accolades, among them the 2017 Distinguished Old Rhodian Award for having reached exceptional heights in his chosen career by maintaining excellence in the field and service to society, the 2021 NRF Science Award, and the UNISA Vice-Chancellor Research Excellence Award (three times).

  • Professor Albert Makochekanwa

    Professor Albert Makochekanwa

    University of Zimbabwe Business School

    Professor Albert Makochekanwa is an economist with over 20 years of experience in economics and social science issues and the Director of the University of Zimbabwe Business School (UZBS). He is also a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Development at the University of Zimbabwe. Prof. Makochekanwa teaches undergraduate and Master of Science in Economics students and supervises thesis research for both Masters and PhD students. Prof. Makochekanwa holds a taught Ph.D. in Economics Degree (University of Pretoria, South Africa), a Master of Science (MSc) in Economics Degree (University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe) and an Honours in Economics Degree (University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe). He has worked extensively in Africa, specifically Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Ethiopia. Prof. Makochekanwa has published several journal papers and book chapters and contributed to several studies on economic issues in Africa. Before joining the University of Zimbabwe, Prof. Makochekanwa worked for Trades Centre (Zimbabwe), Competition and Tariff Commission (Zimbabwe), University of Pretoria (South Africa), Conningarth Economists (South Africa), Commonwealth Secretariat (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), and USAID-Trade Hub Project (Botswana). Prof Makochekanwa has provided leadership and guidance in various institutions including being (i) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Member of the Research Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), (ii) Board member of the Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) (Zimbabwe), (iii) Board member of Zimbabwe Economic Policy Analysis and Research Unit (ZEPARU) and (iv) Council Member of Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU). Over the years, Prof. Makochekanwa has also been a consultant to the following organizations with which he has produced technical and policy documents: (1) African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) (South Africa), (2) World Bank, Washington DC, USA; (3) World Bank Institute (WBI) Washington DC, USA; (4) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Virtual Institute (UNCATDVi), Geneva, Switzerland; (5) Trade and Industrial Strategies (TIPS of South Africa) and AusAID, (6) Center for Global Development (CGD), Washington DC, USA; (7) United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Harare, Zimbabwe; (8) United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNWOMEN) (Harare, Zimbabwe), (9) African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Kenya; (10) Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Canada; (11) Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Namibia, (12) Underhill Capital Solutions, South Africa, (13) University of Mauritius (UoM), Mauritius; (14) Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA Secretariat, Zambia), (15) Oxfam, (16) COMESA Clearing House (Harare, Zimbabwe), (17) Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Zimbabwe), and (18) Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), (19) Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), (20) Trade and Development Studies Centre, Zimbabwe, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about the conference.

Location

Emperors Palace Johannesburg South Africa

Registration period

December 5, 2024 - 1:36 PM until August 15, 2025 - 9:00 PM

Submission period

December 5, 2024 - 1:36 PM until March 31, 2025 - 9:00 PM

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact kaitanod@vut.ac.za .

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