As the world faces increasingly complex environmental challenges, sustainability research is more important than ever in forging the path towards a sustainable future.

MDPI proudly hosted the 12^th World Sustainability Forum (WSF-12) from 21 to 24 August 2026. Taking place in Hong Kong, China, the in-person event brought together industry professionals in the field of sustainability.

This article provides all the details you need to know about this conference.

What is the purpose of WSF 2026?

WSF-12 brought 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 aimed to bridge scientific research, societal needs and policy implementation, and covered a range of topics from tourism, culture, heritage and hospitality to sustainable transportation and low-carbon mobility.

The forum was 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 was also proudly sponsored by the China National Petroleum Corporation E-Light International Communication Brand.

Schedule overview

The conference hosted sessions on:

• Emerging technologies and integrated solutions for a 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 were delivered by an impressive and diverse selection of 54 keynote and invited speakers.

A group of attendees stand in front of an E-Light branded banner.

MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards

The WSF-12 Award Ceremony also celebrated the recipients of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards. This year, MDPI is 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:

• World Sustainability Award (100,000 USD) – celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions towards scholarly research on sustainability.
• Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (20,000 USD) – celebrates early career researchers boasting outstanding contributions to sustainability research.

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

WSF-12 was a great success, attracting more than 300 attendees from more than 100 universities and research institutions across 53 countries and regions. The conference received more than 540 abstract submissions and hosted 230 onsite presentations overall.

Participants of WSF-12 are invited to contribute a full manuscript to the Sustainability Special Issue: Innovative Pathways for Sustainable, Resilient Cities and a Greener Planet, with a 20% discount on the publication fee. Authors of accepted abstracts are also encouraged to submit an extended proceedings paper to the Proceedings journal by 9 October 2026, with publication being free of charge.

Building on the success of the event, planning for the 13^th World Sustainability Forum (WSF-13) is already underway. The event will take place from 8 to 11 June 2027 in Nice, France.

Keep an eye on our conferences blog page to stay up to date with any future conferences that MDPI will be involved in.

A group of attendees gathered in front of WSF-12 branded banners and a projector screen.