Mbombela: Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, has commended the exceptional contributions of South African scientists who continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global understanding of environmental and climate systems. She highlighted the importance of their work in publishing and sharing research, as well as participating in strategic global change and environmental sustainability initiatives.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Director of Marine, Polar Research and Palaeosciences at the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), Dr. Gilbert Siko, delivered the Deputy Minister's remarks during the opening of the 6th National Global Change Conference, currently taking place at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in Mbombela. Gina emphasized the DSTI's role in coordinating South Africa's national system of innovation and the efforts of the DSTI, the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the Global Change Science Committee in developing a platform for the global change community and stakeholders.
The platform aims to facilitate meaningful engagement on issues related to global environmental change and disasters. The conference provides a space to share experiences, best practices, and scientific solutions to pervasive challenges. The theme, 'Transformative science for social and economic empowerment in a changing world,' compels attendees to think deeply about societal challenges and the need for collective action.
Gina noted the unprecedented pace and scale of global change over the past 200 years and stressed the importance of research and innovation in addressing issues like urbanization, resource harvesting, invasive species, pollution, and rising atmospheric and oceanic carbon dioxide levels. The National Global Change Conference, held biennially under the Global Change Grand Challenge, aims to share and discuss South African research, technology, and innovation trends within the global change sphere.
Professor Aldo Stroebel, UMP's Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, expressed pride in hosting the conference, which convenes scientists, policymakers, and innovators dedicated to understanding the changing planet. He emphasized the reality of climate change, biodiversity loss, and other environmental shifts affecting communities, particularly in the province.
Stroebel thanked the DSTI, NRF, and the Mpumalanga Provincial Government for their partnership, which strengthens South Africa's capacity to address global environmental challenges. He highlighted the importance of platforms like the Global Change conference in bringing together diverse knowledge systems and voices.
The four-day conference, which started on Monday, concludes on Thursday, 4 December 2025.