SETAC 9th World Congress: Bridging Borders for a Sustainable World
Tarryn Lee Botha, University of Johannesburg and meeting chair, and Kelly Derom, SETAC Europe
With great excitement, we’re here to share that the preparations for the next SETAC World Congress are officially in the works, offering another great opportunity for innovation and collaboration in 2025. A little over a year from now, on 29 September 2025, the SETAC 9th World Congress is set to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa. With the call for programme committee members wrapping up next Wednesday, 25 September, we are ready to dive into the next phase of the meeting, starting with unveiling the meeting theme and focus to get you excited, “Sustainable Development in a Changing World: Science, Policy, and Practice.”
Reflecting the urgent need for holistic sustainability interventions, especially in today’s rapidly evolving world, the congress’s focus is to foster collaboration between science, policy and industry. By bringing together these key sectors, the program committee aims to create spaces for rich discussions and partnerships that lead to tangible, impactful solutions for global sustainable development.
With this conference, we are committed to exploring actionable solutions for reducing environmental pollution, advancing chemical and biodiversity monitoring, and leveraging technological innovations that directly address the barriers to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The congress will address the diverse realities of countries at different stages of economic development, ensuring a global perspective on environmental stewardship at national, regional, and international levels.
This SETAC World Congress offers a one-of-a-kind platform to unite the Global South and other regions, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations that confront the environmental issues we all face. But this congress is about much more than cutting-edge science—it’s about connection and exchange, bringing together scientists, researchers and professionals from different continents, sectors, backgrounds and disciplines, with one main aim: sharing knowledge, connecting, and building fruitful relationships and collaborations.
We invite you to be part of this inspiring event, where science meets global community and solutions for our environmental future are forged. And where better to hold this inspiring event than in Johannesburg, the city of gold and opportunity.
City of Gold and Opportunity
Johannesburg, also known as “Joburg” by locals, is the largest city in South Africa and serves as the country’s economic powerhouse. It is often referred to as the “City of Gold” because of its rich history in gold mining. The city was established in 1886, and remnants of its mining past can still be explored today, with tunnels running beneath the city.
Explore Johannesburg and Beyond
For those interested in exploring beyond the conference, Johannesburg offers rich cultural experiences. You can visit the mining tunnels at the Gold Reef City Theme Park, located near the Apartheid Museum, which offers an insightful historical experience. The hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing bus provides guided tours to iconic landmarks such as Soweto, where visitors can experience South Africa’s history and culture. Just a three-hour drive away is the Pilanesberg National Park, where you can enjoy safari tours and spot the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, it's a short two-hour flight, where you can explore attractions such as Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands and the vibrant waterfront.
Cuisine and Dining
South African cuisine is a reflection of its diverse cultural heritage. From traditional dishes like bobotie and braai (barbecue) to modern vegan and vegetarian options, there is something for every palate. Joburg’s restaurants cater to a wide variety of tastes, offering a blend of local flavors and international cuisine. Rosebank, one Gautrain stop away, offers various restaurant options. For a standout dining experience in Johannesburg, visit Marble Restaurant, renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and innovative live-fire grill dishes. Offering stunning city views in a stylish setting, Marble offers a unique culinary experience in the heart of the city situated above Keyes Art Mile.
As we gather for the first SETAC World Congress on African soil, we echo the words of our national anthem, “Sound the call to come together, united we shall stand, let us live and strive for freedom in South Africa our land.” We look forward to welcoming you to Johannesburg, a dynamic city that embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation, and to a congress filled with collaboration, inspiration and progress.
The SETAC 9th World Congress promises to be a transformative experience, so keep your eyes on the website and stay tuned for participation opportunities to appear soon.