From Monday, 15 July to Wednesday, 17 July, National Treasury, the World Bank, the Presidential Climate Commission and a range of partner organisations are hosting the Climate Resilience Symposium 2024 in Pretoria.
The theme is “Moving the needle on climate change and just transition: the role of the National Treasury”.
“The objectives of the symposium are to integrate climate goals into macro-fiscal and finance policy; improve government coordination by mainstreaming climate change considerations into the intergovernmental fiscal system; profile the National Treasury’s contribution to climate action; and advance and promote policy, advocacy, green growth and collaboration in addressing climate change challenges across sectors,” the organisers say.
On Wednesday, 17 July at 3pm, the International Labour Research and Information Group will hold a public launch of its latest booklet, A People’s History of Water Privatisation.
“Come join us either in-person or online as we launch this important and timely popular education booklet by ILRIG. If ever there is a time for the working class and its allies to intensify the struggle for public, accessible, affordable and quality water, it is now. That requires us to better understand and learn lessons from history, framed by multiple forms of water privatisation and lived realities and struggles of the broad working class,” it says.
The speakers include Dale McKinley, Koni Benson and Faeza Meyer.
The venue is 41 Salt River Road, Salt River, Cape Town, and the launch will also be live-streamed on ILRIG’s social media platforms.
Thursday, 18 July is Mandela Day
“Every year, on the anniversary of Madiba’s birthday, we come together as a global community to commemorate and honour his legacy by doing work to better our communities and neighbourhoods,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation says.
In South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is focusing its 2024 Mandela Day work on its priority social justice areas: early childhood development, food security and just cities.
In honour of Nelson Mandela International Day, the University of Johannesburg’s community engagement unit invites staff and students to join them on 18 July 2024 at:
- Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital;
- Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital;
- Doornfontein Campus, Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital; and
- Soweto Campus, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic and Bheki Mlangeni hospitals.
Register here.
Also on Thursday, at 8.30am, TEDxJohannesburg, in collaboration with the United Nations in South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Gordon Institute of Business Science, will host speakers and performers sharing ideas around the world’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
“These goals provide a roadmap for addressing pressing global challenges and promoting sustainability as we approach the 2030 target. The event comes two months before world leaders descend on the UN HQ to attend the Summit of the Future to forge a new international consensus on ‘how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future’,” reads the event description.
It will take place at the Gordon Institute, 26 Melville Rd, Illovo, Sandton.
Tickets and the programme are available here.
On Friday, 19 July, at 1pm, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) will host a Facebook Live discussion with Dr David Rosenstein, a clinical psychologist who practises cognitive behavioural therapy, on how digital tools are making a difference in treating mental health issues.
Watch the live discussion here.
On Saturday, 20 July there will be a walk and run to celebrate Mandela Day
“No matter where you live, you can join thousands of people who are taking steps towards a better, more prosperous and equitable world by taking part in the #MandelaDay2024 Walk and Run,” the organisers say.
This will take place in person at the Wanderers Stadium, or you can take part virtually.
Register here.
Also on Saturday, the 2024 Ahmed Kathrada Foundation National Essay Writing Competition Against Racism will be launched, along with the Gauteng City-Region Observatory publication showcasing the 2023 winning entries.
“For the first time, we have the opportunity to release a curated collection of entries from our competition, marking a significant milestone for the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. This publication highlights the creativity, dedication and insightful perspectives of the youth who participated, each piece serving as a powerful testament to the impact of youth voices in shaping a just and inclusive society.”
Register here. DM