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Unisa takes the global stage at sustainable development congress in Türkiye
Unisa's delegation at the GSDC
The University of South Africa (Unisa) has taken its place on the global stage as regional co-host of the prestigious 2025 Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC), currently under way in İstanbul, Türkiye, from 16 to 19 June 2025.
Hosted by Times Higher Education (THE), the Congress brings together a powerful network of global changemakers across academia, policy, civil society and business, all aligned around one urgent cause: accelerating delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Unisa’s co-hosting role reflects its growing international influence and reputation as a thought leader in sustainable development, social justice and comprehensive open distance e-learning. The university's presence is a powerful affirmation of its historic and continuing mission to democratise access to education, while responding to complex, global realities.
Unisa’s world-class exhibition stand
"Unisa’s participation at the GSDC is grounded in our belief that African institutions must lead from the front in global transformation efforts," says Dr Matsheliso Molapo, Vice-Principal for Strategy, Risk and Advisory Services, and head of the Unisa delegation.
"Our identity as a CODeL university enables us to serve diverse and underserved communities at scale - this is precisely the kind of inclusive, sustainable education the world urgently needs. We’re here to shape the dialogue, position African scholarship as central to solving the world’s challenges, share our successes, and build purposeful partnerships for impact."
Unisa’s delegation comprises senior academics, researchers, and executives who will be speaking across the GSDC’s key tracks, which will include climate resilience, biotechnology impact, digital transformation, inclusive teaching, and global partnerships.
Unisa’s stand drew many visitors
A highlight of Unisa’s participation has been its world-class exhibition stand, which attracted significant foot traffic and curiosity throughout the event. The stand showcased Unisa’s academic offerings and research projects and became a dynamic space of exchange and engagement. Delegates expressed interest in Unisa’s postgraduate programmes, especially those aligned with SDG themes. Several visitors explored research collaboration opportunities in areas such as environmental science, renewable energy, and the university’s catalytic niche areas. The exhibition space served as a marketing platform and a hub of intellectual diplomacy, where ideas were exchanged and partnerships initiated.
Through its active engagement at the GSDC, Unisa is living its vision: to be the African university shaping futures in the service of humanity. The Congress has offered a moment to reaffirm the university’s strategic intent - to partner in global problem-solving, innovate in sustainable higher education, and champion African excellence.
Staff and students are encouraged to follow the conversation on social media using #UnisaAtGSDC25 and visit the Unisa website for continued updates on the outcomes and partnerships arising from the Congress.
* By Nolwazi Mwabi, Director, Department of Institutional Advancement
Publish date: 2025/06/18
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