The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), in collaboration with On Think Tanks (OTT) and the New South Institute (NSI), proudly hosted the 2025 OTT Conference – the first time this prestigious global gathering was held on African soil. Taking place on 17-18 June 2025 at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Johannesburg, the two-day event brought together over 160 think tank leaders, researchers, funders and policy professionals from more than 50 countries across six continents.
Held under the theme “Think Tanks and Impact”, the 9th edition of the Global OTT Conference examined a critical and evolving question: What does it truly mean for a think tank to have impact?
In her welcoming remarks, SAIIA Chief Executive Elizabeth Sidiropoulos encouraged participants to actively engage, reflect and share their experiences. She emphasised the importance of collaboration, openness, and innovation in advancing policy influence and research impact, especially in the Global South. Across multiple plenaries and breakout sessions, participants underscored the need for deeper collaboration among think tanks, particularly those in Africa and other emerging regions – as a strategy to amplify influence at national, regional, and global levels. Speakers highlighted that meaningful impact goes beyond producing research outputs; it involves strategic engagement, long-term partnerships, and context-sensitive communication with policymakers and the public.
The conference also surfaced shared challenges faced by think tanks globally. These include persistent funding constraints, difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled researchers, and the growing pressures from shrinking civic and democratic space in many countries. True to the OTT ethos, the conference was structured to maximize interaction, co-creation, and peer learning. In addition to high-level keynote addresses, participants curated and led their own sessions – creating a rich tapestry of discussions across policy, communications, leadership, and institutional development.
One notable parallel session, co-hosted by SAIIA and the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), explored “Opportunities in Regional and Global Spaces”. Featuring speakers from the Brazilian Centre for International Relations (CEBRI) in Brazil, SAIIA (South Africa), CIPPEC (Argentina), ODI Global (UK), and Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (IPEA, Brazil), the session delved into the role of think tanks in shaping policy dialogues within global governance forums such as the G20 (particularly through the T20), BRICS, COP, UN, the African Union, and the European Union. Participants shared lessons on navigating access, credibility, and agenda-setting in multilateral spaces.
Participants widely praised the Johannesburg conference for its engaging format, logistical excellence, and ample networking opportunities. The event was also marked by the inclusive and grounded atmosphere that enabled honest reflection on both successes and ongoing challenges. Excitement is already building for the 10th Global OTT Conference, set to take place in Morocco from 2 to 5 May 2026. Many attendees expressed a strong interest in attending and continuing the conversation on how think tanks can remain relevant and impactful amid shifting global dynamics. The Johannesburg conference concluded with a networking reception hosted jointly by SAIIA and GIBS, which also brought together delegates from the T20 Mid-Term Conference. The gathering was a celebration of shared purpose and a testament to the growing visibility and influence of think tanks in Africa and across the Global South.
