The 12th World Sustainability Forum
The 12th World Sustainability Forum
Innovative Pathways for Sustainable, Resilient Cities and a Greener Planet
Part of the World Sustainability Forum series
1 May 2026
1 June 2026
10 July 2026
30 June 2026
20 August 2026
Urban Sustainability Nexus, Circular Economy, Ecological Conservation, Sustainable Transportation, Climate Adaptation, Waste Management
Submissions are now open for The 12th World Sustainability Forum, which is happening from 21 to 24 August 2026, in Hong Kong!
Submit your asbtract here.
Share about the opportunities at WSF-12
Please feel free to download and share our conference flyer with your students and colleagues:
Welcome from the Chairs
Building on the success of previous editions, we are delighted to announce that the 12th World Sustainability Forum (WSF-12) will be held in Hong Kong from 21–24 August 2026. In a time of rapid climate change, increasingly frequent extreme weather events, and growing resource constraints, the need for integrated, scalable solutions has never been greater.
WSF-12 will bring together global leaders, researchers and innovators to bridge science, policy, and society, fostering integrated solutions and collaborative partnerships that accelerate the transition from vision to action for a resilient and sustainable future. The forum will highlight the critical role of innovation and cross-sector partnerships in accelerating this transition.
This year’s forum will focus on six key themes:
• Smart and Inclusive Urban Planning, and the Urban Sustainability Nexus (refers to the intersection of urban planning, resource management, and social well-being);
• The Circular Economy–Resource Efficiency Nexus;
• Waste Management, Renewable Energy Integration and Grid Modernization;
• Climate Adaptation and Ecological Conservation;
• Sustainable Transportation and Low-Carbon Mobility;
• Policy Frameworks for Equitable Green Transitions.
WSF-12 aims to bridge scientific research, societal needs, and policy implementation. We especially encourage contributions that integrate technological advancements with socio-economic perspectives to address the complex challenges of sustainability in a changing world.
We look forward to welcoming you to Hong Kong in 2026 to share your expertise, explore new collaborations, and contribute to a sustainable future.
Conference Chairs
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
Event Chairs
Ir Prof. Lu joined the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as an assistant professor in 2006 after working for Parsons Brinckerhoff (Asia) Ltd for 2 years, and was promoted to Professor in July 2018. As a highly cited researcher by Clarivate Analytics in Engineering and a World’s Top 2% Scientist by Stanford University in Energy, Prof. Lu is a well established researcher in renewable energy and building energy engineering. Prof. Lu has published 6 books/handbook chapters and over 350 SCI-cited journal papers (including Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, etc.), and her work has been financially supported by the Research Grant Council (RGC) of Hong Kong (GRF, NFSC/RGC JRS, CRF(Co-PI), HKPDF), Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission (ITF), Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department (ECF), Hong Kong Policy Innovation and Coordination Office (PPR), Hong Kong Construction Industry Institute (CII), Dept of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, the Society of Hong Kong Scholars and the China National Postdoctoral Council (Hong Kong Scholars), Hong Kong Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and various industry partners including Sinopec. Prof. Lu has received several prestigious awards, primarily as the first awardee, and is the founder of two spin-out startups. Currently, she is serving local government as The Project Management Committee (PMC) for Cleaner Production Partnership Programme, Task Force Member for Energy Management System Certification under Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) and as Working Group Member for Building Energy Codes (Electrical; Energy Audit; Lighting) under Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance.
Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Honorary Chair
Prof. Dr. Max Bergman
University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Prof. Manfred Max Bergman is Chair of Social Research and Methodology and Director of the Social Transitions Research Group at the University of Basel, member of the Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Uganda National Academy of Sciences, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative for the United Nations. He is President of the Swiss Academic Society for Environmental Research and Ecology and Editor in Chief of World. He has been chairing the World Sustainability Forum and the Basel Sustainability Forum since 2014. He currently collaborates with the Mixed Methods Program at the University of Michigan, and his substantive research is on sustainability and the business-society nexus in North America and Asia.
MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards
The MDPI Sustainability Foundation proudly presents the World Sustainability Award and Emerging Sustainability Leader Award as part of the World Sustainability Forum. Starting in 2025, this global event and its awards ceremony will take place annually, celebrating the scholarly contributions of individuals to sustainability research. The total annual award budget amounts to 120,000 USD, funded by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation.
Purpose of the Awards
The World Sustainability Award (WSA) and the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) are international honors conferred by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation. These awards were conceived to recognize and celebrate outstanding academic and societal contributions to sustainability. The WSA is intended for established researchers or research groups whose work has had a sustained and transformative impact on the field, while the ESLA highlights the emerging influence of early-career scholars who demonstrate outstanding potential in advancing sustainability research.
The core mission of these awards is to promote excellence across the breadth of sustainability science and its implementation. Nominees must demonstrate exceptional contributions that advance the understanding or transformative capacity of sustainability principles. This includes innovative theoretical, empirical, or applied research that addresses global challenges across ecological, societal, or economic dimensions. The awards aim to inspire further advancements in sustainability by recognizing achievements that embody academic rigor, societal relevance, and transformative impact.
Award Structure and Categories:
Reflecting the multifaceted nature of sustainability, the World Sustainability Award and the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award are presented across three core pillars of sustainability: Biosphere, Society, and Economy.
The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award recognizes outstanding early-career researchers who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the advancement of sustainability research. Offered by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, the award celebrates innovation, impact, and academic excellence across the sustainability spectrum. The 2026 ESLA will honor one outstanding early-career researcher, typically within 10 years of completing their PhD, who has made an exceptional academic or societal contribution to sustainability, whether broadly or in relation to a specific sustainability-relevant issue. The recipient will receive a monetary prize of 20,000 USD. The awardee will be officially presented during The 12th World Sustainability Forum.
The World Sustainability Award honors individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions to sustainability research. Offered by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, the award recognizes scholarly excellence and transformative impact across disciplines. The 2026 WSA will honor one individual researcher whose work has made a transformative academic or societal contribution to sustainability, whether broadly or in relation to a specific sustainability-relevant issue. The recipient will receive a monetary prize of 100,000 USD, which will be officially presented during The 12th World Sustainability Forum.
The awards are conferred solely on the basis of merit by an independent Selection Committee that follows a structured, peer-reviewed, and transparent evaluation process.
Important Deadlines:
Award application open date: 25 July 2025
Award application deadline: 15 December 2025
Award winner announcement day: 30 January 2026.
Award Ceremony and Presentation Venue
The WSA and ESLA awardees are ceremoniously presented at the World Sustainability Forum 2026, a global academic platform that convenes leading researchers and institutions in the field of sustainability. The upcoming WSF 2026 will be hosted in Hong Kong, marking an important milestone for the awards’ integration into one of the world’s most dynamic sustainability hubs. In addition to the prizes, all awardees will receive a travel and accommodation stipend to facilitate their presence at the World Sustainability Forum in Hong Kong in 2026. The Forum provides not only the venue for the award ceremony but also a stage for recipients to share their research through keynote addresses and panel discussions. This integration ensures high visibility for the awardees’ work and facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue. The participation of awardees in the Forum reinforces the awards’ aim to bridge scholarly excellence with actionable insights for global sustainability transitions.
Join us at the WSF12 and watch the presentation of the awardees in Hong Kong on 21-24 August 2026.
For more information, please visit: https://mdpi-foundation.org/awards.
MDPI Sustainability Foundation Award Testimonials
The reflections of past awardees stand as a testament to the credibility of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards and their significant contribution to the global sustainability community.
Testimonial from Awardee of World Sustainability Award:
|
Prof. Dr. Stuart Pimm |
Dr. Stuart Pimm, Professor of Conservation at Duke University, is a leading authority on biodiversity and the prevention of extinctions. As founder of the non-profit Saving Nature, he channels carbon offset donations into restoring degraded tropical habitats. With nearly 400 scientific papers and numerous prestigious awards, Pimm's work spans continents, including decades of conservation efforts in Africa. "This award gives recognition to the crucial importance of wild places, the species that live in them, and the people who make their livings restoring them." |
Testimonial from Awardee(s) of Emerging Leader Award:
|
Dr. Katya Rhodes |
Profile: "It is incredible that there are organizations celebrating the emerging scholars, and I am very grateful because it is not just a recognition of me being a researcher, but the recognition of the field." |
|
Prof. Dr. Vhahangwele Masindi |
Profile: "I have received similar awards before, but this one is quite prestigious, because it's at a global level and I realize that the work that I am doing as a researcher is being recognized at a global stage as well."
|
|
Prof. Dr. Myriam Ertz |
Profile: |
Sessions
S2. Resilient Urban Energy Infrastructure
S3. Sustainability Education and Innovative Approaches
S4. Climate Change and Socio-Ecological Systems
S5. Sustainable Urban Landscapes and Low-Carbon Mobility
S6. Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency
S7. Renewable Energy and Smart Grids
S8. Policy Frameworks for Equitable Green Transitions
S9. Sustainable Economic Models and Green Finance
Registration
Important Information
|
Early Bird Until 10 July 2026 |
Regular Until 20 August 2026 |
Supported documents | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | 309.00 EUR | 349.00 EUR |
Student ID |
| Academic | 459.00 EUR | 499.00 EUR | |
| Non-Academic | 609.00 EUR | 659.00 EUR | |
| Invited Speakers/EB/GE/Committee/Society member | 409.00 EUR | 449.00 EUR | |
| Students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) | 209.00 EUR | 249.00 EUR |
Student ID |
Payment methods
Wire transfer, Credit card
Currencies accepted by this event
Swiss francs (CHF) , Euros (EUR) , US dollars (USD) , Pounds sterling (GBP) , Japanese yen (JPY) , Canadian dollars (CAD) and Singapore dollars (SGD)
Instructions for Authors
The 12th World Sustainability Forum will accept abstracts only.
The accepted abstracts will be available online on Sciforum.net during and after the conference.
Please note that abstract submission and conference registration are two separate processes. Please use the same email address during registration and when submitting your work.
What are the benefits in getting your abstract accepted at the WSF2026?
-
You get to present and discuss your latest findings with your peers.
-
You get to network and exchange ideas and resources with like-minded researchers.
-
Your research might be highlighted in an MDPI announcement and social media post. You will be mentioned in the News section of MDPI.com, as well as in one of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation Social Media Posts.
Submit your research
Create an account on Sciforum if you do not have one, then click on ‘New Submission’ on the upper-right corner of the window, or by clicking on ‘Submit Abstract’ at the top of this webpage. Indicate what thematic area is best suited for your research.
- Submit an abstract in English (maximum 300 words). The deadline to submit your abstract is 1 May 2026
- The structured abstract should include the identification of the research gap based on prior research, the aim of
the paper, introduction, methods, results, and conclusion sections of about 200–300 words in length. - Upon submission, you can select if you wish to be considered for an oral presentation or a poster presentation.
- Following assessment by the Selection Committee and the Chairs, you will be notified by 1 June 2026 in a separate email whether your contribution has been accepted for oral presentation.
- Please note that, in order to finalize the scientific program in due time, at least one registration by any of the authors, denoted as Covering Author, is required to cover the presentation and publication of any accepted abstract. Covering Author registration deadline is 22 June 2026. Your abstract will be withdrawn if your registration is not complete by this date.
Oral Presentations
Oral Presentations will be given in person. If a selected speaker cannot attend in person to give their oral presentation, they forfeit their right to present.
All presentations must be sent to the Conference Organizers before the day of their presentation.
Poster Presentation
Posters can be displayed in the venue near the meeting hall.
You can use our free template to create your poster. The poster template can be downloaded HERE.
Location and Venue
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
|
With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside Hong Kong, making pivotal contributions to its social and economic development, as well as to the Nation and the world. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university that pursues excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer. Guided by its motto, “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, the University nurtures socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, while driving world-leading research and innovation for societal benefits. PolyU’s unwavering commitment to excellence, impact, and innovation has earned it widespread international recognition. The University consistently ranks among the world’s top 100 universities, a testament to its status as a global leader in higher education and cutting-edge research. |
 |
Tourism
Historical Architecture | Revitalization | Heritage Conservation
Begin at Central Market, a Grade III historic building reopened after years of revitalization. Once a bustling market in the 1930s, it has been transformed into a vibrant community hub blending heritage architecture with modern design. The open-air atrium, terrazzo staircases, and art installations create a sense of urban nostalgia.
From there, stroll up to Pottinger Street, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic heritage lanes. The granite steps, built in the mid-19th century, wind between old façades, traditional shops, and market stalls selling costumes and souvenirs. Walking along the uneven stones is a reminder of the city’s evolution from a colonial port to a global metropolis.
End the day at Tai Kwun, an award-winning conservation project that has transformed the former Central Police Station compound into a cultural landmark. The site integrates 16 restored historic buildings with contemporary art galleries, cafés, and open courtyards, creating a harmonious dialogue between old and new.
Route 2 – Natural Tourism
Marine Park | Ecological Conservation | Hiking
Tung Ping Chau, located at the northeastern tip of Hong Kong, is a designated area within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. The island is renowned for its striking sedimentary rock formations, rich marine ecosystems, and serene coastal scenery.
A one-day trip to Tung Ping Chau allows visitors to experience both geological wonders and ecological diversity. The Tung Ping Chau Country Trail encircles the island, guiding travelers past famous landmarks such as Kang Lau Shek, Lung Lok Shui, and Cham Keng Chau, where the island’s unique layered rock formations vividly record millions of years of natural history. Along the trail, visitors can enjoy the beauty of coral beaches, marine habitats, and panoramic ocean views.
Transportation:
Ferry Departure: Ma Liu Shui Pier (near the University MTR Station)
Destination: Tung Ping Chau
Schedule: Operates mainly on weekends and public holidays
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours each way
Tips: Check the latest ferry schedule in advance. Bring enough food and water, as facilities on the island are limited.
Route 3 – Urban Tourism
Community Renewal | Local Culture | City Walk
Sham Shui Po, an old yet vibrant district in Kowloon, has evolved from a traditional working-class area into a hub of creativity and community renewal. Old tenement buildings, local markets, and new cultural spaces coexist, reflecting Hong Kong’s blend of heritage and innovation.
Begin your walk at Apliu Street and Ki Lung Street, where open-air markets sell electronics, fabrics, and antiques. Stroll to Tai Nan Street, filled with design studios, lifestyle shops, and cafés that have transformed industrial spaces into creative hubs. Many are run by locals, promoting sustainable growth through culture and small business.
Food is central to the experience — start with milk tea and a pineapple bun at a classic cha chaan teng, enjoy noodles or clay pot rice, then unwind in a cosy café using local ingredients. As night falls, neon-lit stalls serve fish balls, curry skewers, and tofu pudding — the taste of authentic Hong Kong.
Thematic Highlight – Hong Kong Flavors
Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers, where East meets West on every plate. Classic dim sum like siu mai and har gow, golden egg tarts, and silky milk tea represent the city’s culinary heritage. On the streets, you’ll find steaming cheung fun, curry fish balls, and egg waffles — simple yet iconic snacks that define local life. For something heartier, roast goose, wonton noodles, and clay pot rice bring comfort to every table. From bustling cha chaan tengs to modern cafés, Hong Kong’s cuisine tells the story of a city that celebrates flavor, tradition, and creativity.
Visa Information
Most nationalities can visit Hong Kong for a short period without a visa; however, the requirements vary by country, with visa-free stays ranging from 7 days to 180 days. To confirm your specific requirements, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa in advance, either through the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission, a local sponsor, or directly by post to the Immigration Department. You will need your passport, sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, and your travel itinerary to apply for a visa.
1. Check Your Visa-Free Status
Varying Periods: Hong Kong allows visa-free entry for short visits for nationals of many countries, but the duration of stay differs.
Specific Information: Check the official Hong Kong Immigration Department (immd.gov.hk) website or the Hong Kong Tourism Board for details specific to your country of origin.
2. When a Visa is Required
Extended Stays: You need to apply for a visa or entry permit if your planned visit exceeds the visa-free period allowed for your nationality.
3. How to Apply for a Visa
Visa Application: Applicants must submit their visa application to the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Sponsor: A local sponsor can also be used to submit the visa application on your behalf.
e-Visa: The Immigration Department issues "e-Visas," which are PDF-formatted notification slips, upon approval of the application.
4. Required Documents
Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your planned stay.
Application Form: A completed Hong Kong visitor visa application form.
Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements.
Travel Documents: Proof of onward or return transportation arrangements, like flight bookings.
Other Documents: Passport-sized photographs and proof of accomodation may also be required.
Visa Support Letter
- Applicants must have paid for registration and submitted an abstract in order to get a letter of support.
- Applicants must provide us with a scan of their valid, in-date passport that contains a photo of them.
- Applicants must provide us with a letter of support from their institution to confirm that they support the delegate attending the meeting.
- This must be carried out in good time before the meeting; “last minute” requests will not be processed.
Request for Visa Application Document(s) - Invitation Letter
If, for visa purposes, you require an invitation letter to allow you to travel to Hong Kong, please email wsf12@mdpi.com the following details to the conference secretariat:
- Photocopy of your passport;
- Name (as it appears on your passport);
- Passport number;
- Nationality;
- Date and Place of Birth;
- Place of Issue;
- Date of Issue: dd/mm/yyyy;
- Expiration Date: dd/mm/yyyy;
- Country of departure;
- Job title;
- Organization;
- Mailing address;
- Email.
Kindly ensure that you have completed your registration and made payment before sending in your request for your visa application document(s) to the conference secretariat. The document(s) will be prepared and sent by email. Failure to provide the above information will result in the delay of your invitation letter.
Sponsors and Partners
For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, check out our sponsorship brochure or contact wsf12@mdpi.com.
Organizers
Co-organizers
Sponsors
Media Partners
Supporting Organizations
Australia Smart City Association
Together, we’re turning bold ideas into better places to live, work, and thrive.
Find out more: http://www.smartcity.org.au
Sponsorship Opportunities
With a global audience of academic, policy, and industry participants, WSF-12 offers a unique platform to connect your organization with thought leaders and decision-makers shaping a sustainable and resilient future.
Join us in driving innovation and collaboration at the 12th World Sustainability Forum (WSF-12), 21–24 August 2026, Hong Kong.
Download our Sponsorship Prospectus:
Secure Your Strategic Advantage at WSF-12
Gain exposure and build meaningful connections with 500+ participants, including sustainability experts, policymakers, researchers, and corporate leaders from across the globe.
Benefits for All Sponsors, Regardless of Package:
- Display your logo, website link, and organization profile on the WSF-12 webpage.
- Your logo will appear in our digital and printed Book of Abstracts.
Exclusive Networking Opportunities:
Engage directly with our VIP guests, keynote speakers, and institutional partners at dedicated networking sessions and appreciation dinners.
Event Secretaries
Mrs. Theodora Felegean
Mrs. Fionn Ee
Dr. Alina-Andrada Igna
Mrs. Flora Li
Email: wsf12@mdpi.com
For inquiries regarding submissions and sponsorship opportunities, please feel free to contact us.
