Throughout the programme, the SOIL & WATER DIALOGUES will take place at selected venues. These dialogues will be developed and moderated by Thati Mokgoro in collaboration with the curators and feature leading voices from the arts, sciences, civil society, and government. The sessions will be recorded and published as part of NIROX’s podcast series. FARMHOUSE58, in partnership with Columba Leadership and the Hub Residency, will also host a three- to five-day Symposium titled WATER FUTURES. The symposium will convene local and global experts, activists, and policymakers in order to explore more equitable and sustainable water solutions.
TEDxJohannesburg Countdown 2025
NIROX Sculpture Park
25 October
On 25 October 2025, NIROX Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind hosted TEDxJohannesburg Countdown, bringing together scientists, youth leaders, artists, and activists to engage with urgent questions around climate action. The event focused on ideas and practices supporting a just energy transition and more sustainable futures, grounded in South African contexts while remaining connected to broader conversations across the Global South. In doing so, it contributed to the momentum leading toward the G20 climate meetings and COP30.
TEDxJohannesburg Countdown was selected by TED as a Global Anchor for the 2025 TED Countdown Summit. As one of only 18 TEDx events chosen worldwide, it carried the spirit of the Summit, held in Nairobi in June, into a locally rooted platform for exchange, reflection, and dialogue on climate-focused ideas with global relevance.
