Driving Transdisciplinary Solutions for Continental Sustainability

The Future Earth Africa Hub (FEAH), hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF), is dedicated to advancing sustainability science across Africa by enhancing capacities, fostering connections, and contributing to global sustainability efforts. The Hub’s Leadership Centre (FEAHLC) plays a pivotal role in coordinating strategic activities to fulfill Future Earth’s mission on the continent. FEAH and FEAHLC are committed to building a robust sustainability science community, promoting collaboration, leveraging regional and international networks, and addressing unique regional challenges. Their investments in capacity development, innovation, and South‑South collaboration aim to integrate African efforts into global sustainability discussions. This session will highlight the ongoing and planned activities of FEAH and FEAHLC, focusing on the following key areas: - Integrating African Sustainability Efforts: Amplifying African voices in global discussions through sustainability science clusters, ensuring regional perspectives are well‑represented and influential. - Addressing Regional Sustainability Challenges: Conducting targeted research and developing strategies to tackle specific sustainability issues faced by African communities, thereby contributing to localized solutions. - Engaging and Developing Researchers: Providing training, mentorship, and integration opportunities for early‑ and mid‑career researchers, fostering the next generation of sustainability scientists and leaders. - Fostering Connections with Communities: Engaging with the sustainability science community through the seven science clusters led by the Leadership Centre and regional offices. This initiative bridges gaps between sectors, disciplines, and regions to address social, climate, and environmental issues. It ensures community engagement at different levels, including collaboration with local and Indigenous communities, and young and emerging scientists. By focusing on these areas, FEAH and FEAHLC aim to create a cohesive and dynamic sustainability science network that addresses Africa’s unique challenges and contributes significantly to global sustainability goals. The session will also reflect on the new phase of the Leadership Centre and share lessons learned from the first phase, ensuring continuity, improvement, and deeper impact moving forward.