The 25th Global Conference on Environmental Taxation (GCET25) has released its draft agenda for the Stellenbosch edition, signalling a high-impact programme focused on carbon pricing, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and a just energy transition. Hosted at STIAS in Stellenbosch, the conference brings together government, business, finance, and academia to translate research into implementable climate policy.
What’s Inside the GCET25 Draft Agenda
The schedule balances keynotes, plenaries, parallel tracks, poster sessions, and hands-on policy labs. Expect evidence-rich sessions that move beyond theory to practical tools, benchmarks, and case studies from both the Global North and South. Delegates can build personal schedules around networking breaks, welcome reception meet-ups, and a gala evening that accelerates collaboration.
Core Session Tracks
- Carbon Pricing & ETS: Rate setting, thresholds, exemptions, and revenue recycling to protect low-income households and jobs.
- CBAM & Trade: Product-level footprinting, verification, carbon leakage, and exporter readiness for developing economies.
- Just Transition: Skills pathways, worker support, SME resilience, and social dialogue frameworks.
- MRV & Data Systems: Digital reporting, audits, and assurance for credible emissions accounting.
- Climate Finance & JETP: Blended capital, de-risking tools, and project pipelines for cities and regions.
- Industry Decarbonisation: Cement, steel, chemicals, and hydrogen roadmaps tied to fiscal signals.
Why This Draft Matters
The draft agenda allows governments, firms, and researchers to prepare targeted contributions and bilateral meetings in advance. It also highlights cross-cutting priorities: equity in carbon policy, data quality for CBAM compliance, and finance models that scale clean energy without leaving vulnerable communities behind.
How Delegates Can Prepare
- Map priorities: Pick sessions aligned to your policy or sector goals and pre-book 1:1s.
- Bring evidence: Arrive with concise slide decks, emissions baselines, or case studies.
- Plan follow-ups: Schedule post-session clinics for pilots, publications, or MOUs.
Next Steps & Key Dates
Attendees should watch for final speaker confirmations, room assignments, and livestream details. With carbon pricing, CBAM, and the just transition at its core, the GCET25 draft agenda sets the stage for actionable outcomes—from policy design and MRV upgrades to finance commitments and industry roadmaps.
Bottom Line
GCET25’s draft agenda is a practical blueprint for climate-smart fiscal policy. Build your plan now to maximise learning, partnerships, and real-world impact in Stellenbosch.
