ISKCON INAUGURAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABILITY 2025
Join us for a groundbreaking conference exploring "THE UN SDGs & SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION: Creating a Unified Foundation for Sustainable Development in South Africa" on September 26, 2025 at UKZN Westville Campus.
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Event Details
Date & Time
September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location
Senate Chamber, UKZN Westville Campus
Registration
Free admission with complimentary breakfast and lunch for all registered participants
To commemorate its 50th Anniversary, ISKCON Durban has partnered with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Management, Information Technology and Governance to host this prestigious conference, reflecting a shared commitment to impactful community engagement.
Conference Themes
1
Social Transformation
Historical Cultural Identity, Diversity, and Social Cohesion in South Africa
Aligned with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
2
Ethics & Leadership
Ethics, Leadership, and Governance in a Changing Society
Aligned with SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
3
Sustainability
Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and Economic Development
Aligned with SDG 8, SDG 13, and SDG 15
4
Youth & Education
Youth, Education, and Social Mobility
Aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality
Conference Objectives
  • Provide a collaborative platform for scholars, educators, practitioners, policymakers, and NGOs interested in sustainability
  • Examine the role of spirituality in addressing contemporary social, economic, and environmental challenges
  • Explore how ethics, leadership, and governance can foster sustainable communities
  • Create an interdisciplinary platform for discussions on education, social mobility, and youth empowerment
  • Explore the historical, social and cultural impacts of ISKCON in line with the SDGs
Call for Papers
We invite researchers, academics, practitioners, and thought leaders to submit abstracts that engage with the conference themes from historical, theoretical, and applied perspectives.
Submissions may include academic papers, research studies, case studies, best practices, policy discussions, and interdisciplinary analyses.
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: August 25th, 2025
Authors who present at the conference have an opportunity to submit their full papers for peer review and possible publication in accredited journals:
  • The Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy
  • African Journal of Development Studies
Expanded Conference Themes
1
Religion/Spirituality as a Catalyst
Exploring how spiritual movements like ISKCON contribute to community formation and social change in South Africa
2
Ethics & Environmental Sustainability
Examining the intersection of ethics, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility
3
Philosophical Contributions
Analyzing philosophical contributions to ethics, governance, and society
4
Youth Empowerment
Exploring youth empowerment, education, and social mobility through spiritual frameworks
5
Sacred Spaces
Investigating sacred spaces and urban transformation
6
Cultural Identities
Examining new or neo cultural identities in Africa: transnational religious movements and local identity formation
Conference Overview
Significant global political and climate challenges underscore the increasing need for collaborative action. The arrival of ISKCON's founder in South Africa fifty years ago marked a significant impact on the country's social transformation, cultural integration, spiritual and ethical development, and humanitarian initiatives.
The Conference explores how community based organizations have contributed and continue to contribute societal change, development, cultural integration, and ethical development in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Organizing Committee & Registration
Conference Committee
  • Dr A Beharry-Ramraj (UKZN)
  • Prof R Sookrajh (UKZN/Berea College of Technology)
  • Prof G Naidoo (UNISA)
  • Dr S. Civilcharran (UKZN)
  • Dr S. Ramson (Varsity College, Westville)
Contact Information
Dr S. Ramson
Phone: 0844020251
Email: [email protected]
Registration is free. All registered participants will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch. Please complete the registration using the link below to attend or submit an abstract:
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