G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community

Impressive to see what is being achieved in #Uganda by Mountains of the Moon University, Ghent University and Deroose Plants Group. Multistakeholder collaboration across borders is key for building resilience to climate change. We look forward to the further development of the lab! This project is funded by the Government of Flanders through the Flanders International Climate Action Programme. Departement Omgeving Vlaamse overheid #capacitybuilding #innovation #research #impact #climatechange

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗢 & 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 🤝   Last Thursday, VITO had the pleasure of hosting Ms. Eudy Mabuza, Senior Science and Innovation Representative for the South African Government in Brussels, at our headquarters in Mol.   A day packed with exciting exchanges and opportunities: ✅ Exploring new ways to strengthen collaboration between VITO and the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, because ‘science knows no borders’ ✅ Showcasing VITO’s international projects, with a special spotlight on the 𝗚-𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 in Pretoria, South-Africa (from 8th – 10th of October), an annual highlight within the 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 & 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 ✅ Gaining key insights into South Africa’s science & innovation landscape,  fostering opportunities to co-develop 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 ✅ Brainstorming on potential partnerships and gearing up for the upcoming visits of Industrial Development Corporation & Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)], two key players in Africa’s sustainable innovation landscape   To top it off, we wrapped up the day with a guided tour of VITO’s facilities, including an introduction to our 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 and 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁. 🌍🔬   Excited to see how this collaboration unfolds! Want to know more about G-STIC 2025 in Pretoria and how it's driving 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?? Stay tuned! 🔗👉 https://lnkd.in/gmJta8Yr   #VITOinternational #GSTIC #GSTICinternational #SouthAfrica #science #technology #innovation #internationalaffairs #sustainability

Fingers crossed! 🌍 Will Turbulent Hydro and ABALOBI take home the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2025 tomorrow? This Tuesday, 14/01, the winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced. We are thrilled to discover that two organisations of our network have been nominated — Turbulent and Abalobi! Both of these inspiring partners are pioneering innovative solutions that are driving us towards a sustainable & just future. Through their general work and projects within the Flanders International Climate Action Programme (FICAP), they showcase the power of collective action and innovation in addressing the urgent climate challenges. Read more about their projects within FICAP: Turbulent: https://lnkd.in/eUidddwZ Abalobi: https://lnkd.in/eJTYG94V We commend the Zayed Sustainability Prize for recognizing trailblazers like these, and we’re proud to see our network members shine on a global stage. #ZayedSustainabilityPrize #FlandersClimateAction #Sustainability #Innovation #CleanEnergy #CommunityEmpowerment #sustainablefisheries #Collectiveaction Walter J.R. Buydens Imane Benamar Serge Raemaekers

💡 The Governments of Flanders and South Africa have maintained good relations for 30 years. On 19 December 2024, the eighth Permanent Joint Commission between Flanders and South Africa took place in Brussels.  📑 The Commission confirmed that future cooperation will continue to revolve around themes such as arts and culture, higher education, science and innovation, green transition and investment. 🌲 The already existing collaboration between the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will be continued. VITO helps promote cleantech, renewable energy and sustainable resource management in South Africa, among other things. VITO and the CSIR intend to continue expanding their collaboration. The 8th Conference of the G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community provides a valuable platform for this. It will take place in Pretoria from 7 to 9 October 2025.  🤝 To reaffirm relations between Flanders and South Africa, our Secretary General, Julie Bynens, and Ms Maud Dlomo (Deputy Director-General of the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation) signed a joint statement. Flanders in Southern Africa    #Flanders #South_Africa #cooperation #exchange #sustainabledevelopment Copyright photos – Sive Cauwenberghs 

🌱 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞   Over 500 farming families in the Philippines are transforming their livelihoods through agroecology, a practice that boosts food security, restores ecosystems, and mitigates climate change.   Led by ngo Solidagro in collaboration with CCNCI, MASIPAG, and Ibon, this project brings agroecology to life with learning farms. These hubs enable farmers to adopt sustainable methods, share experiences, and advocate for policies that scale agroecological solutions.   🎥 Discover more with Pascal Van Driessche, Program Lead Solidagro.   👉 Read all the details here: https://lnkd.in/d6icK3Wu   This project received funding from the Flemish Government through the Flanders International Climate Action Programme, an initiative coordinated by G-STIC and Departement Omgeving   #Agroecology #ClimateAction #SustainableAgriculture #ResilientCommunities #Biodiversity #FoodSecurity #ClimateAdaptation #Philippines

🌍🌱 𝐀 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐨-𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐠𝐲𝐩𝐭’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬   ORG, Permanent Modernity is leading a transformative initiative to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in Egypt’s arid regions. At two demonstration sites—the Moghra Oasis and Nuweiba—innovative technologies and climate-resilient practices are being implemented to combat water scarcity and soil infertility.   And this is just the start. With a comprehensive master plan in the making, these solutions are set to scale far beyond Egypt, offering a replicable model for over 60% of the world’s desert regions.   By integrating solar-powered water systems, salt-tolerant crops, and community-led innovation, this project is empowering local communities and securing their future against climate change.   📽️ Hear from Sofia Saavedra Bruno to learn how ORG Permanent Modernity is driving change in desert regeneration.   ➡️ Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/djxJKiHs   This project received funding from the Flemish Government through the Flanders International Climate Action Programme, an initiative coordinated by G-STIC and Departement Omgeving   #ClimateResilience #DesertRegeneration #RenewableEnergy #SustainableFarming #SocioEcologicalInnovation #GlobalImpact #SustainabilityInAction   Habiba Community 3E engazaat   Maged El Said Geert Palmers Muhammad El Demerdash Alexander D'Hooghe

🌍 One month ago: Minister Depraetere at COP29 in dialogue with organizations active within FICAP   At COP29, Flemish Minister of Climate Melissa Depraetere highlighted Flanders’ strong commitment to international climate finance, emphasizing that climate action knows no borders. While reaffirming that Flanders is fulfilling its fair share, she called on other nations to step up their contributions.   As part of her visit, Minister Depraetere engaged in a dialogue with representatives of Flemish organizations active within the Flemish International Climate Action Programme (FICAP). Inge Vandevyvere (VVOB), Karolien Casaer-Diez (CO2logic, a South Pole company), Vanessa O. THOMPSON (Join For Water), and Maarten Pelgrims (VITO) shared their experiences with this programme and their vision for the future.   This meeting provided Minister Depraetere with valuable insights into the impact and potential of Flemish projects within FICAP.   👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZhJrNzG   #COP29 #ClimateAction #Flanders #FICAP #Innovation #GlobalSolutions   Ilke Geleyn Dietrich Van der Weken Noens Vicky Departement Omgeving 

🌍 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐆-𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞! 📢 The 7th G-STIC Conference, held in New Delhi (22-23 October 2024), marked a milestone for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Organized by TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute and VITO, this first Asia-hosted edition brought together global leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to align technology, policy, and business pathways for sustainability. Discussions focused on: 🔹 Key themes: Energy, Health, Water, Education, and Climate 🔹 Special sessions: Digital Technology, Biodiversity, and Food Systems The outcomes? Actionable strategies and scalable pathways to transformative change. 📥 Download the executive summary here and explore the insights that shape a more sustainable future. #Sustainability #SDGs #Innovation #GSTIC #Delhi2024 #TechnologyForChange Anshuman . | Heloisa TOZATO | Danielly Magalhaes | Jan De Groof | Campling Paul | katrien van hooydonk | Catarina Baptista | Ruchi Gupta, PhD | Pieter Lodewijks | Juan David Correa Laguna | Jasmina Lazic | Dr Kenny Tenza | Kaven Naidoo | Sechaba Bareetseng | A K Saxena | Suruchi Bhadwal | Pushplata Singh | Livleen Kahlon | Ibrahim Hafeezur Rehman | Shaurya Patel | Sadhvi Saran | Paul Burrows | Parul Agarwala | Akshima Ghate | Ankur Malyan | Jagabanta Ningthoujam

#Education is crucial in tackling climate change, but it is the teachers—strengthened with the right training, tools and opportunities—who turn this potential into reality. Learn how VVOB’s initiatives, supported by the Government of Flanders, are equipping teachers to inspire sustainable practices. From #COP29 collaborations to local innovations, education is shaping a resilient, climate-conscious future 👇 https://lnkd.in/e7khYT5k VVOB en Ecuador VVOB in South Africa G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community Vlaamse overheid

🌊  𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨 𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬?   Along the Ingüitó River in Colombia, the indigenous Nasa population faces significant challenges. Reliance on firewood for energy has led to deforestation, poor indoor air quality, and limited economic opportunities. Unreliable electricity further hinders their ability to process crops or improve their livelihoods.   Turbulent Hydro, in partnership with Corporación CODEBV, is installing micro hydropower turbines to provide clean, green energy and foster self-reliance. The indigenous Nasa community is co-creating this project, from installation to maintenance, ensuring a sustainable impact that extends far beyond electricity.   Key benefits: ✅ Reliable electricity for 7,000 people ✅ Annual savings of 237 tons of trees and 200 tons of CO2 emissions ✅ A replicable model for other remote areas   🎥 Curious about the details? Watch Maria Elvira Zeman explain how this project is making a difference.   📖 Read all the details: https://lnkd.in/eWmPzf8P   This project received funding from the Flemish Government through the Flanders International Climate Action Programme, an initiative coordinated by G-STIC and Departement Omgeving.   #MicroHydropower #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #CommunityEmpowerment   Walter J.R. Buydens Buydens