THEME: Reimagining Innovation Pathways for Sustainability: Research, Practice and Policy
The International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) 2026 invites thought leaders, researchers, innovators, and change makers to engage in transformative conversations around the future of sustainability. With a focus on reimagining sustainability through the integration of indigenous knowledge systems, emerging technologies, and afrocentric innovation, the four-day event provides a dynamic platform for cross-sector collaboration and actionable dialogue.
The hotel is ideally situated and brimming with amenities, making Protea Hotel Stellenbosch the perfect destination for both business and leisure. It is a short distance from Stellenbosch University and Stellenbosch Town Centre, as well as Blaauwklippen vineyard.
Conference Dates: March 8-12, 2026
The joint conference (University of Kigali, University of Fort Hare, North West University, Tshwane University of Technology and KCA University) seeks to achieve the following outcomes:
- Promote Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate dialogue and the exchange of ideas among scholars, practitioners, and policymakers on challenges and solutions in sustainable development.
- Showcase Research: Provide a platform for researchers to present their work on sustainability, green technology, and environmentally friendly practices, fostering an academic exchange between the two universities.
- Encourage Collaboration: Build networks among academics, industry experts, government officials, and NGOs to foster partnerships and collaborative projects, enhancing regional cooperation.
- Support Policy Development: Contribute to the formulation of evidence-based policies that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship across Africa.
- Enhance Capacity Building: Equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement sustainable practices in their respective fields and communities.
Key Themes and Topics
The conference will focus on several key themes related to green and sustainable development:
- Sustainable Business, Management, and Economics
- Green entrepreneurship and innovation
- Circular economy practices
- Sustainable finance and investment
- Projects on dynamic environments.
- Sustainable supply chain management
- Green Technologies and Innovation
- Emerging technology: Application of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of things and Robotics
- Sustainable materials and design
- Waste management and recycling innovations
- Smart cities and green building technologies
- Environmental Policy and Governance
- Policy frameworks for sustainable development
- International agreements and local implementation
- Role of governments and NGOs in promoting sustainability
- Social Equity and Sustainable Development
- Financial Inclusion
- Gender and social inclusion in sustainable practices
- Community-led conservation efforts
- Addressing inequality in access to resources
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
- Innovative farming techniques
- Food security and sustainable nutrition
- Agroecology and permaculture
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Renewable energy solutions
- Carbon footprint reduction strategies
Submissions & Guidelines
Original submissions may be made as either Work-in-Progress (WIP) Abstracts or Competitive Papers. WIP Abstracts present proposals for future studies, incomplete or ongoing research, or emerging ideas related to the conference theme, to generate feedback and stimulate discussion. Competitive Papers may be submitted on any focus area related to the theme of the conference, provided they are linked to at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and AU Agenda 2063. These contributions can span across disciplines and may include full research papers, case studies, technical papers, or literature review papers.
- WIP Abstract: 300-500 words (max) outlining the research problem, methodology, findings, and implications
Competitive paper: Max 25 pages (6,000–7,000 words, incl. references).
PhD Colloquium paper: Max 5 pages (excl. references).
Innovation showcase submission: A concise overview of the innovation project (150–250 words). Summarize the purpose, core innovation, relevance to sustainability and green development, and expected outcomes or impact.
Conference Packages
Presenter Registration Package
Package | Price | Early Bird |
|---|---|---|
Corporate | $500 | $450 |
Faculty | $300 | $250 |
Postgraduate Student | $200 | $150 |
Emerging Researchers or professionals | $200 | $150 |
Delegate Registration Package
Package | Price | Early Bird |
|---|---|---|
Corporate | $350 | $300 |
Faculty | $250 | $200 |
Postgraduate Student | $150 | $100 |
Emerging Researchers or professionals | $200 | $150 |
Sponsorship Package
Package | Price |
|---|---|
Plantinum | R 200 000 |
Gold | R 100 000 |
Silver | R 50 000 |
Bronze | R 25 000 |
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