Innovative Pathways for Sustainable, Resilient Cities and a Greener Planet: The 12th World Sustainability Forum
As the world faces increasingly complex environmental challenges, sustainability research is more important than ever in forging the path towards a sustainable future.
MDPI is excited to host the 12th World Sustainability Forum (WSF-12). Taking place in Hong Kong, China, the in-person event will run from 21 to 24 August 2026, bringing together industry professionals in the field of sustainability.
With important deadlines approaching, this article provides all the details you need to know about this conference.
What is the purpose of WSF 2026?
WSF-12 will bring together researchers, industry professionals, and experts from around the globe to share the latest advancements, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations in the field.
This year, it aims to bridge scientific research, societal needs and policy implementation, and will cover a range of topics from tourism, culture, heritage and hospitality to sustainable transportation and low-carbon mobility.
The forum is organised by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, the Open Access journal Sustainability, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. WSF-12 is also proudly sponsored by the China National Petroleum Corporation E-Light International Communication Brand.
Schedule overview
The conference will host sessions on:
- Emerging technologies and integrated solutions for sustainable, resilient cities and planet
- Resilient urban energy infrastructure
- Sustainability education and innovative approaches
- Climate change and socio-ecological systems
- Sustainable urban landscapes and low-carbon mobility
- Circular economy and resource efficiency
- Renewable energy and smart grids
- Policy frameworks for equitable green transitions
- Sustainable economic models and green finance
- Tourism, culture, heritage and hospitality: global strategies for a sustainable future
- Inclusive strategies for water quality improvement, ecological restoration and water resource management
The above sessions will be delivered by an impressive and diverse selection of 54 keynote and invited speakers.
MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards
The WSF-12 Award Ceremony will also honour and celebrate the recipients of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards. This year, we are pleased to recognise the following winners:
- Professor Zongping Shao, Curtin University, Australia – 2026 World Sustainability Award
- Assistant Professor Katrina Knauer, University of Colorado Boulder, USA; National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), USA – 2026 Emerging Sustainability Leader Award
- Abdelbagi M. Ismail, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Nairobi, Kenya – 2025 World Sustainability Award
Nominations are now open for the 2027 MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards: the World Sustainability Award (100,000 USD) and the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (20,000 USD). Recipients will be internationally recognised and invited, with attendance support, to WSF-13 in Nice, France, from 8 to 11 June 2027. Find out more or send in your nomination here.
Participating in WSF-12
Registrations for the WSF-12 conference are open until 21 August 2026.
To find out more details about the upcoming event and how to participate, you can visit the WSF-12 event webpage. Keep an eye on our conferences blog page to stay up to date with any future conferences that MDPI will be involved in.
