Sustainability Conference G-STIC to be held in Africa for the first time
The eighth edition of the G-STIC conference will take place from 8 to 10 October 2025 at the International Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. This year's event is hosted in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025. By choosing South Africa as the host country, G-STIC highlights the pivotal role of CSIR in driving scientific and technological innovation for sustainable development.
Centred around the theme ‘Science, Technology and Innovation for a Sustainable Future’, this edition aligns closely with G-STIC’s mission. The Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (G-STIC) brings together businesses, social and economic stakeholders, financial actors, and policymakers to co-create transformative solutions that accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Technology as a catalyst for sustainable progress
The conference serves as a dynamic platform for scientific experts, academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to explore how innovation and research & development (R&D) can foster sustainable economic growth both locally and globally. Core topics include climate resilience, the energy transition, water security, and public health, featured in presentations, discussions, and exhibitions.
A key focus will be the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the cross-border exchange of technological knowledge. G-STIC Pretoria will offer a unique opportunity to showcase Africa’s innovation potential and foster new international partnerships.
Global collaboration as a driving force
“The partnership between CSIR and G-STIC is vital to unlocking the full potential of research and innovation in addressing global challenges,” said Dr Thulani Dlamini, CEO of CSIR. “As we mark 80 years of innovation, we reaffirm the importance of collaboration in mobilising collective expertise, driving technological advancement, and delivering solutions that support the SDGs and bolster our local economy.”
“G-STIC Pretoria will be a key platform for strengthening ties between South Africa, Africa, and the international community,” added Dietrich Van der Weken, General Manager of G-STIC. “We aim to build bridges between science, policy, and business, scaling sustainable technologies that make a real difference. This fully supports South Africa’s sustainability agenda and the African Union’s broader Agenda 2063.”
Interested?
For more information and a list of confirmed speakers, visit gsticpretoria.org. The conference will also be streamed live and can be followed online after registration.
About G-STIC
G-STIC, the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community, inspires businesses, financial stakeholders, policymakers and civil society to collaborate on developing solutions that fast-track the realisation of the SDGs. Through cross-sectoral collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking, G-STIC promotes win-win solutions that foster economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
G-STIC helps policymakers design science, technology and innovation (STI) roadmaps to support the SDGs, while enabling companies and investors to identify scalable, bankable solutions.
G-STIC is jointly hosted by VITO (a leading research and technology organisation for cleantech and sustainable development in Belgium) and nine other non-profit technology research institutes: CSIR (South Africa), FIOCRUZ (Brazil), GIEC (China), JITRI (China), MASEN (Morocco), NACETEM (Nigeria), STEPI (South Korea), TERI (India), and TII (United Arab Emirates).
More info: www.gstic.org
About CSIR
Founded in 1945, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of Africa’s premier research institutions. Operating under South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, CSIR conducts multidisciplinary research and technological development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. In 2025, CSIR celebrates 80 years of innovation contributing to a better society.
More info: www.csir.co.za
