World Plant Health Day, discussion on the Paris Agreement’s future and just transition event

Monday, 12 May, marks the United Nations’ International Day of Plant Health. Under this year’s theme, The importance of plant health in One Health, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) argues that plant health is the foundation of food security and is interconnected with human, animal and environmental health.

“Healthy plants provide nutrient-rich diets for humans and animals and help promote a balanced ecosystem. Pest-infected plants can trigger a cascade of negative effects on food supplies and induce outbreaks of zoonotic diseases transmitted through harmful pathogens. Pesticides play a role in pest management, but their overuse and poor management cause biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, ecosystem dysfunction, food safety concerns and pesticide resistance,” FAO said.

FAO called on the public to raise awareness and take action to keep plants, animals, humans and the environment healthy.



On Tuesday, 13 May at 10 am, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) will host a seminar on the prospects for Africa after the US exits the Paris Climate Agreement.

“The US exit from the Paris Agreement will hit developing countries especially hard. Can this year’s COP30 in Brazil get the climate agenda back on track?” ISS asked.

The conversation will be moderated by Dhesigen Naidoo,  Senior Research Associate, Climate Risk and Human Security at ISS.

Panellists include:

• HE David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa


• HE Benedicto Fonseca Filho, Ambassador of Brazil to South Africa


• Brian Mantlana, Lead, Holistic Climate Change Impact Area, CSIR


• Nomthandazo Mabena, Fellow, Powershift Africa


• Kgaugelo Mkumbeni, Research Officer, Climate Risk and Human Security, ISS

Venue: ISS Pretoria seminar room and online via Zoom

• Testimonies: First-hand accounts from communities affected by energy profiteering, exposing its human toll.


• Art Exhibition: A moving collection of photography, video, and mixed media artworks exploring themes of justice, resilience, and renewal. Open to the public from 9am to 5pm.


• Zine Launch: A creative publication weaving together testimonies, art, and community visions for a just and sustainable future.


• Documentary Premiere: Open Secrets’ new short film blends poetry, art, and investigative insight to confront the dystopian path shaped by energy profiteers.

Where: 3-13 Caledon St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925

Homecoming Centre

Where: UWC, Bellville Campus

Library Auditorium