From 8–10 October, UNIDO joined global innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs at the 8th G-STIC Conference held at CSIR-ICC in Pretoria. As one of the world’s leading platforms for sustainable technology and innovation, G-STIC 2025 focused on accelerating solutions for the SDGs through market-ready innovations.
UNIDO participated in two key sessions on Days 1 and 2 through presentations by Rouba Onaissi from the Organisation’s Division of Energy and Climate Action:
On Day 1, Rouba participated in a thematic plenary session on Africa’s sustainability challenges and opportunities: Energy and low-carbon strategies, hosted by GIEC. In a presentation on Sustainable Industrialization Hubs (SIHs), Rouba highlighted how geographically concentrated industrial zones can drive low-carbon development, cleantech innovation, and inclusive growth. She referred to the UNIDO-led project on low-carbon and positive energy industrial spaces as an example of SIHs in South Africa. Funded by the Government of Flanders, the project promotes distributed renewable energy and energy efficiency in industrial parks and special economic zones.
During the VITO-hosted session under the title “Decentralised water-energy solutions for local sustainability – experiences and best practices” on Day 2, Rouba shared insights from the South African climate adaptation project. This 3-year project ended in December 2024 and demonstrated how integrated energy and water efficiency interventions in the agro-processing sector can boost resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability. Examples included co-financed demonstration projects and support for local enterprises and innovators. The project was also funded by the Government of Flanders and was implemented by UNIDO, in partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency and the National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa.
G-STIC 2025 provided a powerful platform to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and spotlight UNIDO’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable industrial development in South Africa and beyond.
