College of Law and Management Studies

SUB-Theme: Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Innovation for Sustainable development

Co-Chairs: Prof G Kabanda and Dr X Majola

Positioned at the nexus of law, governance, and business, this sub-theme interrogates how AI-driven solutions are reshaping institutional frameworks, enabling inclusive economic growth, and fostering sustainable development. It also explores the transformative potential of AI in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through interdisciplinary research and innovation.

• Cutting-edge applications of AI in addressing global challenges such as climate change mitigation, equitable healthcare delivery, quality education, and resilient infrastructure
• Ethical, legal, and governance dimensions of AI deployment, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation that safeguards human rights and promotes social justice
• AI is not merely as a technological tool, but as a catalyst for systemic transformation in service of people and the planet

SUB-Theme: Gender Mainstreaming, and Equity

Co-Chairs: Prof M Subban and Dr J Hicks

With the G20’s focus on gender equality, this sub-theme interrogates gender mainstreaming and equity interventions in the public and private sector. These include gender mainstreaming of government programmes and services, gender transformation in the workplace, and the implementation of and accountability for employment equity interventions.

• Promotion of gender equity in the public domain, such as attempts by the state to gender mainstream departmental planning, gender responsive budgeting and service delivery
• Transformative constitutionalism endeavors in relation to pervasive forms of gender inequality and discrimination, including measures to eliminate gender discrimination and inequality, responding to intersectionality of class, race, disability and gender identity
• Institutional responses to gender-based violence and sexual harassment, as barriers to gender transformation and equality

SUB-Theme: Disaster Resilience, and Environmental Justice

Chair: Prof M Subban

Environmental justice, climate change and disaster resilience are at the heart of contemporary debates as a global and local phenomenon with heighted interest. This sub-theme includes responsibility for adaptation as paramount, and emphasis on compliance approaches focusing on managing and reducing disaster risks by emphasising shared responsibility as the building blocks for addressing resilience and inclusive development.

• Environmental justice and climate change impact on people, communities and ecosystems. Resilience research, rights and justice as active parts of the transformative climate agenda
• Practical strategies to create a more resilient society in the age of uncertainty surrounding environmental issues and disasters. Environmental politics, policy and sustainability, including social justice in relation to climate governance
• Case studies of environmental justice and disaster resilience, including sanctions and forms of empowerment in shaping and supporting communities

SUB-Theme: Inclusive Economic Growth, and Governance

Co-Chairs: Prof PS Reddy and Prof G George

Anchored in the priorities of the G20, including sustainable growth, fiscal reform, resilient health systems, digital inclusion, and gender equity, this sub-theme critically explores how economic, legal, and governance systems can be transformed to promote shared prosperity. And it invites interdisciplinary contributions that examine how policy, law, public institutions, and business practices can better serve the needs of all citizens.

• Governance and economic strategies that reflect the needs of marginalised populations, including women, youth, and informal workers, and align with global commitments to climate action, digital transformation, and human capital development as outlined by the G20
• Economic and legal reforms that are essential to achieve inclusive growth that addresses structural inequality, unemployment, and poverty within the South African and broader African context
• Legal, regulatory, and business mechanisms that support sustainable enterprise growth, including in the informal economy, and ensure that entrepreneurship and innovation are engines of inclusive development.

SUB-Theme: Corporate Citizenship, and Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)

Chair: Prof C Vermaak and Dr L Muguto

This sub-theme examines the evolving role of corporate citizenship and ESG principles in shaping ethical, sustainable, and inclusive business practices and financial systems. It welcomes interdisciplinary research contributions that explore how ESG metrics, integrated reporting, responsible investment, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement drive long-term value creation.

• Intersection of ESG with innovation, SME development, public accountability, and inclusive growth strategies
• Interdisciplinary approaches and practical insights into aligning corporate behavior with developmental outcomes
• ESG-linked financial instruments, sustainability disclosures, and their impact on capital allocation and firm performance

SUB-Theme: Law, Development, and Transformative Justice

Co-Chairs: Dr S Soni and Ms N Mthembu

This sub-theme explores how law responds to historical injustices and advances social and economic equity. It examines the role of legal systems in addressing systemic inequalities and promoting sustainable governance. The focus is on how legal tools can drive meaningful reform in an era of rapid global change. It considers the capacity of law to challenge entrenched power structures and enable inclusive progress.

• Constitutional reform and human rights to corporate regulation, and tax justice
• Constitutional reform and human rights to environmental law, and gender
• Constitutional reform and human rights to international law, family law, criminal justice, health, and maritime law