The Exxaro Chair in Business and Climate Change at the University of South
Africa (Unisa) is hosting the 1st International Conference on Innovation for
Sustainability under Climate Change and Green Economy/Growth which will take
place from 26 to 28 May 2015.
The conference emerges from a long term partnership between Unisa and Exxaro
Resources Ltd, a South African based company which is the main sponsor. It is a
brainchild of Prof Godwell Nhamo the incumbent of the Unisa Exxaro Chair in
Business and Climate Change and is organized in partnership with selected South
African national departments, academic institutions, international partners as
well as local industry and local government partners. The conference aims to
contribute knowledge and practical solutions to the standing global challenge of
climate change and its potential solution, the emerging green economy/growth
transition process.
Among the national departments partnering with Unisa in this conference are
the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Department of Science and
Technology (DST). The participating academic institutions include the University
of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand, North West University, Human and
Social Research Council (HSRC), Tshwane University of Technology and the
University of Limpopo.
The academic institutions mentioned here exclude presenters coming from a
range of universities across
Africa and beyond. International organisations
taking part include SEED – Promoting Entrepreneurship for Sustainable
Development and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) based in South Korea.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), National Business
Initiative (NBI), Development Bank of Southern Africa, Green Fund, BMW Club
Motors Fountains, Gliimo SA, iGREENs, Blank Canvas International, SAINe, Matayo
Biofuels Pty and Hisense South Africa are among local industry and local
government partners playing a part in the event.
The conference addresses four thematic areas namely: Business and
Biodiversity; Energy and Energy Management; Water Connections, Global Change and
Sustainability; and Climate Change and Green Economy/Growth Transition. The
themes cover social, business and environmental concerns and practices.
The conference is executed along four platforms that focus on symposia,
academic papers, workshops, and displays. Some of the symposia to look forward
to include: Sustainable Business Leadership: Leading Innovation beyond
Compliance; Entrepreneurship: A solution for climate change and green growth;
and Green growth/economy and Climate Change Readiness for Local Government.
The workshops lined up cover topics like Electric Vehicles, Carbon Tax and
Renewable Energy as a path to Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings. A
Marketplace organised by SEED and the South African Industrial Development
Corporation will showcase innovative entrepreneurial solutions to climate change
and global development challenges.
Internationally renowned speakers to grace the occasion include: Prof Nader
Mahinpey of the University of Calgary in Canada, Dr Helen Marquard of SEED, Prof
Martina Maria Keitsch of Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ms
Sibongile Mavimbela from the Southern African Development community (SSADC), and
Lord Michael Hastings KPMG’s Global Head of Citizenship and former Vice Chairman
of the World Economic Forum’s Agenda Council – The Future of Civil Society.
Among the local speakers are: Prof Divya Singh the Vice Principal for
Assurance and Advisory Services at Unisa, Dr Phil Mjwara the Director General in
the Department of Science and Technology, Mr Alfred James Wills the Deputy
Director General for Environmental Advisory Services in the Department of
Environmental Affairs, Mr Colin Coleman the Managing Director of Goldman Sachs
(south Africa), Mr Hanno Olinger the Manager for Sustainability at Exxaro
Resources, Ms Joanne Yawitch the NBI CEO, Mr Raldu Nel the CEO of Blank Canvas
International, Mr Thomas Garner the CEO fat Cennergi (a 50:50 joint venture
formed between Exxaro Resources and Tata Power from India), Dr. Sampson
Mamphweli from University of Fort Hare and Prof Dewald Van Niekerk from the
Northwest University.
Members of the media are invited to attend.
Dates: 26 to 28 May
Venue: Birchwood
Hotel, Boksburg
Address: 14 View Point Road,
Boksburg
Start Time: 08:30
Contact details:
All enquiries to:
Ms Nhlanhla Mabaso
Email: Mabasnp@unisa.ac.za
Telephone: +27 12 433 4656
