2nd International Conference on Climate Resilient, Smart and Sustainable Futures

About this Event

The 2nd International Conference on Climate Resilient, Smart and Sustainable Futures (ICCRSSF 2026), hosted by the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) builds on the momentum of the inaugural ICCRSSF 2025 hosted by the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). The conference continues to be anchored in a strong network of collaborating institutions, including the National Research Foundation (South Africa), The Presidential Climate Change Commission (South Africa), University of South Africa (UNISA), University of Fort Hare (UFH) , Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Maasai Mara University (Kenya), among others as it addresses the accelerating challenges posed by climate change.

ICCRSSF 2026 convenes at a critical period for our planet due to the escalating climate crisis, which demands a paradigm shift from siloed discussions to integrated approaches. The ICCRSSF 2026 theme magnifies designing systems for accelerating climate-resilient and sustainable societies. The focus is on tangible solutions, cross-sectoral partnerships, and just transitions that leave no one and no place behind. The conference provides a platform for transdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative innovation.

ICCRSSF 2026 welcomes researchers, practitioners, policymakers, industry experts, innovators, development agencies, students, civil society, indigenous communities, and international organizations to submit abstracts for original papers, case studies, and proposals that address the urgent need for resilience, sustainability, and smart solutions in the face of climate change.

The 1st International Conference on Climate Resilience, Smart and Sustainable Futures (ICCRSF 2025) was organised by the Vaal University of Technology. Click the link for more details https://vut.ac.za/international-conference-on-climate-resilient-smart-and-sustainable-futures-iccrsf-2025/

Conference Thematic Areas

The conference invites high-quality contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following sub-themes:

Sub-Theme 1: Climate Impact, Financing, Resilience-building and Mitigation

• Innovative and scalable approaches to co-designed, co-created and co-delivered climate adaptation and mitigation.

• Nature and ecosystem-based solutions for climate resilience.

• Localizing climate action and enhancing community resilience.

• Climate change, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.

• Water security, agriculture, and climate-proofed food systems

• Climate change and economic systems.

• Just (Energy) Transitions and socio-economic transformation.

• Resilience in dryland agriculture, rangelands, and pastoralist systems.

• Innovative financing and financial engineering for climate resilience-building, adaptation and mitigation.

Sub-Theme 2: Sustainable Development and the 2030 Agenda

• Strategies for accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Aligning national and regional policies with global sustainability goals.

• Monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development initiatives.

• Environment Sustainability and Governance (ESG) under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• National and local voluntary reviews and institutional capacity strengthening Universal Design for Learning, EdTech and digital transformation for education

Youth leadership, capacity building, and interdisciplinary research for sustainable futures, climate communication, public engagement, and climate literacy.

Sub-Theme 3: Smart Change and Digital Transformation for Sustainability

• Applications of AI, IoT, robotics, and big data for climate and environmental solutions. Smart technologies for rural and urban development

• Digital tools for climate modelling, monitoring, and decision support.

• Technological innovations for disaster risk reduction and early warning systems

• Data Science, AI and technological revolution for sustainable development

• Climate information systems and services

Sub-Theme 4: Legal and Policy Frameworks for Resilient and Sustainable Futures

• Policy and legal frameworks for smart change and digital transformation for sustainability

• Policy and legal frameworks for heritage, tourism, aviation and hospitality under SDGs and climate

• Policy and legal frameworks for sustainable development post 2030 agenda

• Policy and legal frameworks and governance for inclusive and climate-resilient futures

• Equity, justice and inclusive policy designs

Sub-Theme 5: Heritage, Education, Tourism, Aviation and Hospitality under SDGs and Climate Change

• Preservation of cultural and natural heritage amid climate change.

• Sustainable tourism development and management.

• Policy Frameworks for Climate-Responsive Tourism.

• Tourism, aviation, events, sports, hospitality and conservation as catalysts for sustainable development.

• Innovative approaches to heritage conservation and sustainable tourism development.

• Aviation management in the era of Tourism and Climate Change

• Tourism, Climate Justice, and Local Communities.

• Resilient Hospitality Management.

• Youths and Climate Action

• Food safety, nutrition & rural livelihoods under climate stress

• Dryland agriculture & rangeland ecosystems

Submission Guidelines

We welcome submissions from academics, professionals, civic society organizations and policymakers across the globe. Contributions may take the form of:

• Research Papers: Original research findings, theoretical discussions, Systematic reviews and case studies.

• Poster Presentations: Visual representations of innovative projects, research, or fieldwork.

• Working Groups, Panels and Roundtables: Discussions on critical issues and emerging trends in climate resilience and sustainability.

• Lightning Talks: Short (5 minutes) high-energy presentations sharing key findings.

Important Deadlines

• Abstracts Submission Opens: 15 January 2026

• 1st Abstract Call Closes: 30 April 2026

• Final Abstract Deadline: 12 June 2026

• Notification of Acceptance: 15 July 2026

• Full Paper Deadline: 30 August 2026

• Early Bird deadline: 31 May 2026

• Formats: Research papers, case studies, technical notes, working groups, panels and roundtables, posters, field excursions, and policy briefs.

• Length: Abstract (250-300 words and address one or more conference themes). Full Journal articles and book chapters (5,000-7,000 words) and Conference Proceedings 2500-5000.

All submissions must be original and not previously published, and must be submitted on the following link https://event.fourwaves.com/iccrsf/submission

Conference Fees

The following conference fees will apply for delegates to this Conference

International Delegates

• International Delegate = US$500.00

• International Student Delegate = US$300.00

Local Delegates

• Local Delegate = US$450.00

• Local Student Delegate = US$250.00

NB// Accomodation at Elephant Hills can only be booked through Great Zimbabwe University through a combo package of conference fee for International delegates 500usd, International Students 300usd, accomodation 1000usd for 5nights

Special Publications

• Springer Nature Conference Proceedings Publications (DHET Accredited)

• Conference Springer Nature Edited Book Chapter Contribution (DHET Accredited)

• Dzimbabwe Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

• The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa (DHET Accredited)

• Sustainability (MDPI) DHET Accredited

• Discover Sustainability Springer Scopus Indexed and DHET Accredited

• Sustainability MDPI Scopus Indexed and DHET Accredited

• Discover Cities

• Springer (DHET accredited )

Scientific Committee

·       Prof David Chikodzi, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Prof Tanyaradzwa Chigonda, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr. Paul Sambo, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Prof Ellen Ganga, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Prof Vongai Zvidenga Nyawo, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr. Hardlife Zinhiva, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr. Ngavaite Chigede, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr. Godfrey Mutowo, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr. Lawrence Sawunyama, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr. Isaac Nyambiya, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr. Garikai Makuyana, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr. Clarice Mudzengi, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Ms Linet Ndou, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Mr Nkosana Maphosa, Great Zimbabwe University

·       Dr Onalenna Gwate, Lupane State University

·       Dr Wayne Malinga, Lupane State University

·       Nkululeko Mpofu, Lupane State University

·       Dr. Bright Chisadza, Lupane State University

·       Prof Zindoga Mkandawire, Emirates Aviation University

·       Professor Kaitano Dube, Vaal University of Technology

·       Dr. Shem Wambugu Maingi; Kenyatta University, Kenya

·       Dr. Wame L. Hambira, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Botswana

·       Dr. Thsinakaho Sunday, Cape Peninsula University, South Africa

·       Prof. Kevin Mearns, University of South Africa, South Africa

·       Dr. Teboho Pitso, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa

·       Dr. Felicia Naatu , SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana

·       Prof. Frederick Dayour, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana

·       Dr. Dramani J.M. File, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana

·       Prof. Klaus Hubacek, University of Groningen Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society (IREES), Netherlands

·       Prof. Yuli Shan, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

·       Dr. Indrani Roy, University College of London, United Kingdom

·       Dr. Raymong Mugandani, Department of Land and Water Management, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

·       Dr. H Zinhiva, Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, Zimbabwe

·       Dr. Emmanuel Matahe, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

·       Dr. Cathrine Kifworo, Maasai Mara University, Kenya

·       Dr. Lesego S Stone, University of Botswana, Botswana

·       Prof. Ikechekwu O Ezeuduji, University of Zululand, South Africa

·       Dr. Nyaigoti Omwoyo, Maasai Mara University, Kenya

·       Dr. Precious Chikezie Ezeh, Federal University Gusau, Nigeria

·       Dr. Justus Wesonga, Maasai Mara University, Kenya

·       Dr.Olubunmi A Afinowi, University of South Africa, South Africa

·       Prof. Francis Mburu, Maasai Mara University, Kenya

·       Prof. Godwell Nhamo, University of South Africa, South Africa

·       Dr. Regis Musavengane, Free State University, South Africa

·       Dr. Erisher Woyo, Manchester Metropolitan University, Britain

·       Dr. Tafadzwa Matiza, North-West University, South Africa

·       Dr. Lazarus Chapungu, University of South Africa, South Africa

·       Prof. Zindoga Mukandavire, Emirates Aviation University, United Arab Emirates

·       Prof. Fulufhelo Netswera, Durban University of Technology, South Africa

·       Mhlangabezi Slayi, University of Fort Hare, South Africa

·       Admire R. Dzvene, University of Fort Hare, South Africa

·       Dr. S. Muchaku, University of Fort Hare, South Africa

·       Dr. Ngoni Courage Shereni, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

·       Dr. Aurobindo Ogra, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

·       Prof Dewald Venter - Vaal University of Technology, South Africa

·       Prof John Beneke, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa

·       Dr Idowu Ibrahim, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa

·       Dr Rozwivhona Magoba, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa