Global WEF Nexus Community Podcast

 In this episode of the Global WEF Nexus Community Podcast, Rewa Assi and Anne Chisa speak with Prof. Jeltsje Kemerink-Seyoum and Prof. Graham Jewitt about the upcoming 7th International Symposium on Knowledge and Capacity for the Water Sector. 

They discuss how the symposium aims to empower young professionals, foster inclusive dialogue across sectors, and spotlight the role of education, justice, and mentorship in transforming the water sector. 

The symposium takes place 2–4 July 2025 (hybrid). 

Visit the website to sign up.

In this episode hosts Anne Chisa and Rewa Assi speak with two early career researchers, Mendy and Wendy, the first Black African women to author the 2023 Global Hunger Report.

Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities young people face in transforming food systems amidst climate change. From the realities of science advocacy to the role of governments and communities in promoting food sovereignty, this episode explores:

• Youth inclusion and leadership in food systems
• The impact of climate change on food and nutrition security
• How science can bridge the gap between policy and practical solutions
• Lessons from the Global Hunger Report: Beyond 2030

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In this special recap episode, hosts Rewa Assi and Anne Chisa take a step back to reflect on their journey so far. From decolonizing research to energy access, policy recommendations, and sustainability solutions, they unpack the biggest lessons from their conversations with leading experts.

Tune in as we reflect, learn, and look ahead to the future of the WEF Nexus!

Join us for a  discussion with Colleta Gandidzanwa, manager of the CLAB-Africa project at the University of Pretoria, and Nafiisa Sobratee-Fajurally, Honorary Research Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as we delve into the challenges of decolonizing research and academia. This episode examines how colonial legacies continue to marginalize African researchers and indigenous knowledge systems .

We also highlight transformative initiatives, which aim to foster equitable research partnerships and empower African scholars. Colleta and Nafiisa share insights on leveraging local contexts, engaging stakeholders, and creating inclusive frameworks that inspire innovation and collaboration.

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Ever wonder how this podcast came together? Join Anne Chisa and Rewa Assi as we switch roles from hosts to guests, guided by Professor Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi. We share the stories behind our passion for science communication and community engagement, revealing how our diverse paths led us to host The WEF Nexus podcast. We also reflect on the importance of involving young researchers and our vision for future episodes.

Join us as we delve into the transformative potential of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem-Health (WEFEH) nexus approach in achieving sustainable development in Africa. Our guest, Komlavi Akpoti, co-author of the policy brief "Realizing Africa's Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem-Health Nexus: A Resilient Future for Nature and People," shares insights on the nexus's role in addressing climate change, resource security, and livelihood improvement.
 
We discuss practical applications, strategic actions, and key recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to realize the WEFEH nexus's potential in Africa.  

Discover the future of sustainability research with us as we introduce the Sustainability Nexus Forum Journal! What makes this journal a game-changer?  Edeltraud Guenther, the Editor-in-Chief, and Saroj Kumar Chapagain, the Managing Editor,  join us to share the journal's evolution from the Sustainability Management Forum. They explain the unique interdisciplinary approach that addresses complex sustainability issues, engaging academia, policymakers, and practitioners alike. Learn how the journal aims to bridge gaps and foster meaningful dialogue among diverse stakeholders.

More information about the journal

In this week's episode, we discuss the ONEPlanET Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming Africa's energy landscape. Hosted by Anne Chisa and Rewa Assi, this episode features exclusive insights from Dr. Tsitsi Bangira, a remote sensing scientist, and Peter Odhiambo, a law and policy research advisor. We explore the ONEPlanET concept through the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus, highlighting how it integrates crucial sectors for a truly sustainable approach. Discover how the project leverages advanced remote sensing data and emphasizes community engagement, policy harmonization, and public awareness to empower African policymakers, researchers, and communities.

Welcome to Episode Two of our podcast. Today, we're diving deep into the concept of the WEF Nexus. We'll explore its significance, historical context, and the global challenges that make this approach essential. I'm joined in this episode by Nosipho Dlamini and Cuthbert Taguta.,  

Nosiphi is an Agricultural Engineering  PhD Candidate at the University of KwaZulu Natal South Africa her research interests are water resources management, climate change and the WEF nexus.

 Cuthbert PhD Student also at the University of KwaZulu Natal in the School of Engineering and research assistant in the areas of water-energy-food (WEF) nexus. His interests lie in developing integrated solutions at the intersection of the triple bottom line - people, planet, and prosperity, through systems thinking and nexus planning of water and energy for agriculture, natural resource management and climate action

Together, we'll uncover how water, energy, and food are interconnected, examine real-world examples, and discuss the major challenges and implications of managing this nexus effectively. We'll also explore strategies for sustainability and resilience, the role of technologies, policies, and practices, and how the WEF Nexus manifests differently across various regions. 

In this introductory episode, we're thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Sara Masia, a researcher specializing in System Modeling and Analysis at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, and Tafadzwa Mabaudhi, a Professor of Climate Change, Food Systems, and Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Our guests will provide an overview of what you can expect in this new podcast series, the topics we anticipate covering in future episodes, and how you can get involved.

Let's take a listen.