The systems that shape our world are in crisis. Climate breakdown, inequality, conflict—these aren't isolated problems. They're symptoms of deeper patterns that demand a new kind of literacy: the capacity to understand, navigate, and actively steward large-scale transformations toward sustainability.
The Transformation Literacy Conference brings together practitioners, researchers, policy-makers, and organizers from across sectors and generations to share insights, build capacity, and strengthen the collaborations that drive systemic change. This free annual conference has become a vital space for the global community working on sustainability transformations—where high-profile professionals from civil society, government, business, and academia connect with emerging leaders.
Transformation literacy is the capacity to understand, navigate, and actively contribute to large-scale systemic change toward sustainability. It’s about knowing how to work across boundaries—whether institutional, cultural, or sectoral—to collectively steward transformations that benefit both people and planet.
In a world facing urgent sustainability challenges, transformation literacy is no longer optional. It’s a core competency for anyone shaping our collective future, from government officials and business leaders to civil society activists and community organizers. The journey moves from awareness to action, from isolated efforts to coordinated, collaborative change.
CLI’s Collective Leadership Compass provides the methodological foundation, offering practical frameworks for navigating complexity and fostering the collaboration that systemic change requires.
The conference takes place online each April, removing barriers of cost and geography. Registration is free, opening the conversation to anyone committed to sustainability transformations.
The conference week brings together diverse formats for learning and exchange. Participants explore transformation literacy concepts, share practical applications, and build relationships that extend beyond the event.
Connect with high-profile professionals from civil society, the public sector, the private sector, and the research sector—change-weavers across generations who are advancing sustainability transformations in their contexts.
Past participants consistently cite the relationships built here as among the most valuable outcomes—connections that evolve into collaborations, peer learning partnerships, and ongoing mutual support.
Deepen your methodological toolkit and connect with peers navigating similar challenges in multi-stakeholder initiatives, dialogues, and networks for systems change.
Access frameworks for understanding systemic change and meet implementers whose experience informs better policy design within government agencies, international organizations, or funding bodies.
Bridge theory and practice, access proven methodologies, and contribute your insights to broader transformation conversations.
Connect with mentors, explore diverse approaches, and find entry points into the global transformation community early in your career.
The conference directly supports CLI’s Young Peacebuilders Program, which equips emerging leaders with collaborative approaches to building peace in their communities worldwide. By choosing a Solidarity Ticket when registering, you help fund a Young Peacebuilder’s participation in the program—ensuring those creating tomorrow’s peace cultures have the resources and connections to succeed.