GZU logo

ICCRSSF

Click here to Register

About this Event

ICCRSSF Conference

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.

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 Guidlines

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: 30 June 2026

  • Notification of Acceptance: 15 July 2026

  • Full Paper Deadline: 30 September 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

      Early Bird = US$450.00

    • International Student Delegate = US$300.00

      Early Bird = US$250.00

    Local Delegates

    • Local Delegate = US$450.00

      Early Bird = US$400.00

    • Local Student Delegate = US$250.00

    • Early Bird = US$200.00

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 Acrredited

  • Discover Sustainability Springer

  • Sustainability MDPI

Our Speakers

Creative Mechanics

Professor Mandivamba Rukuni

Chairman, Great Zimbabwe University Council

Professor Thulani Dube

Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Lupane State University (LSU) in Zimbabwe

Dr. Yacob T. Tesfaldet

Environmental Data Scientist and Researcher

Professor Kaitano Dube

Full Professor of Tourism Geography at Vaal University of Technology, South Africa and Visiting Professor at Emirates Aviation University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Professor Godwell Nhamo

Acting Head, Institute For Sustainability And Corporate Citizenship, University of South Africa

Professor Timothy Dude

Director, Institute For Water Studies, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Prof Ikechukwu O. Ezeuduji

Department of Recreation and Tourism, University of Zululand

Professor W.L Hambira

Associate Professor of Environmental Management at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), Botswana

Professor Edson Gandiwa

Director General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks)

Professor Onisimo Mutanga

Remote Sensing and South African Research Chair (SARCHI) in Landuse

Dr. Nomhle Ngwenya

Independent Climate Change and ESG Expert & Researcher at Wits Business School, South Africa

Dr. Mahlomola E. Daemane

General Manager, Wildlife and Strategic Support South African National Parks (SANParks), South Africa

Dr. Webster Gumindoga

Researcher in Spatial Hydrology, Earth Observation and Water Resources Management University of Zimbabwe

Mr Ntandokamlimu Nondo

Senior Environmental Officer, Environmental Management Agency

Prof. Alen Manyevere

Senior Environmental Officer, Environmental Management Agency

Scroll to Top