Assoc. Prof. Ye Guo
Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
Hong Kong, China

Prof. Dr. Weiqi Zhou
Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Beijing, China

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S5. Sustainable Urban Landscapes and Low-Carbon Mobility
Session Chairs

Prof. Dr. Erfu Dai Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

Prof. Dr. Bin Jiang The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China

Asst. Prof. Chaosu Li The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China

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S6. Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency

Session Chairs

Assoc. Prof. Giovanni De Feo University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy

Prof. Dr. Xiaowei Li Shanghai University, Shanghai, China

Assoc. Prof. Elena Cristina Rada Insubria University, Varese, Italy

The “Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency” session focuses on scientific, technological, and systemic approaches to advancing circular economy and resource efficiency across sectors. Contributions addressing engineering solutions, life cycle thinking, environmental assessment tools (e.g., LCA, MFA, carbon and water footprints), and innovative waste and resource management strategies are welcome.

The session also encourages interdisciplinary perspectives integrating policy, governance, digitalisation, and behavioural change. Particular attention is given to the role of education, communication, and stakeholder engagement in enabling the transition from linear to circular systems.

Both theoretical advances and practical case studies at local, regional, and global scales are invited. Please note that literature reviews will not be accepted.

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S7. Renewable Energy and Smart Grids

Session Chairs

Prof. Dr. Jianheng Chen China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China

Assoc. Prof. Chuanshuai Dong South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China

This session invites abstracts addressing technological, economic, social, and policy aspects of transitioning toward decarbonized, resilient, and intelligent energy systems. It focuses on the integration of high shares of renewable energy into power grids, the application of digital and smart technologies, and strategies to ensure secure, efficient, and equitable energy transitions.

Topics include renewable energy technology innovation; smart grids, AI, digitalization, and cybersecurity; grid stability, flexibility, and renewable energy integration; energy storage systems and hybrid solutions; distributed energy resources, prosumer models, virtual power plants, and peer-to-peer energy trading; electricity market design and regulatory frameworks; grid modernization and infrastructure planning; social acceptance and community engagement; cross-border and interconnected energy systems; climate resilience and adaptation; and economic viability and business models for renewable and smart grid investments.

Submissions may include reviews, case studies, empirical research, conceptual analyses, or preliminary experimental results.
For more information about this session topic, please click HERE

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S8. Policy Frameworks for Equitable Green Transitions

Session Chairs

Prof. Dr. Zongshi Chen Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

Asst. Prof. Vincent Kok Sin Woon The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China

The session focuses on holistic and comprehensive approaches to designing, implementing, and evaluating policies that advance environmental sustainability while ensuring social justice and inclusive prosperity.

We welcome papers that examine policy design, regulatory instruments, and institutional arrangements through the lenses of energy justice, just transition, procedural fairness, and systemic inclusion. Specifically, this session aims to present globally informed yet context-sensitive policy models, fiscal tools, legal innovations, and participatory governance experiments addressing the social dimensions of green transitions. These contributions are intended to reduce inequality, protect vulnerable livelihoods, create quality green jobs, and strengthen democratic accountability in environmental policymaking.

Submission of both theoretical advances and applied case studies at local, national, and transnational scales are welcome.

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S9. Sustainable Economic Models and Green Finance
Session Chairs

This session explores the economic logic and financial instruments that underpin sustainable development. We will critically examine traditional growth paradigms and investigate governance frameworks, assessment indicators, and practical challenges associated with alternative economic models, including the circular economy, welfare economy, and inclusive green growth. Core topics include, but are not limited to:

• Natural capital accounting and corporate environmental information disclosure
• Socio-economic dimensions of an equitable transition
• Policy innovations that incentivize private sector investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and ecological restoration

Abstracts may present empirical research, case studies, conceptual frameworks, policy analyses or preliminary and exploratory research papers relevant to Sustainable Economic Models and Green Finance.

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S10. Tourism, Culture, Heritage and Hospitality: Global Strategies for a Sustainable Future

Session Chairs

Prof. Dr. Mark A. Bonn Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA	Dr. Roshis Krishna Shrestha Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
The “Tourism, Culture, Heritage and Hospitality: Global Strategies for a Sustainable Future” session will focus on interdisciplinary research addressing sustainable tourism development and management. It will explore how tourism growth can be balanced with environmental protection, cultural and heritage preservation, and community engagement. Particular attention will be given to tourism policy and strategy, heritage tourism management, sustainable hospitality practices, and the role of digitalization, AI, and technological innovation in enhancing sustainability and destination management. Contributions highlighting climate adaptation, collaborative tourism business models, and education and capacity building are especially welcome, with studies ranging from conceptual frameworks to empirical research and case studies across diverse destinations. Abstracts may present empirical research, case studies, conceptual frameworks, policy analyses or preliminary and exploratory research papers relevant to sustainable tourism, culture, heritage and hospitality. For more information about this session topic, please click HERE. For the Industry Leadership Panel, please click HERE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S11. Inclusive Strategies for Water Quality Improvement, Ecological Restoration and Water Resource Management Session Chairs Prof. Dr. Jun Hou Hohai University, Nanjing, China Assoc. Prof. Gang Lu Jinan University, Guangzhou, China The session focuses on holistic and comprehensive approaches to securing water sustainability through the integration of ecological integrity, social equity, and effective governance. It seeks to advance feasible strategies and solutions to address the interconnected challenges of water pollution, ecosystem degradation, and inequitable access within socio-hydrological systems. We welcome papers that examine innovative technologies, policy frameworks, and management practices through the lenses of inclusive governance, environmental justice, and socio-ecological resilience. This session particularly encourages contributions that bridge engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and community knowledge, and emphasize the critical roles of stakeholder engagement, cross-sectoral collaboration, and nature-based solutions in achieving equitable water security and healthy aquatic ecosystems. Specifically, this session aims to present globally informed yet context-sensitive approaches, including inclusive policies, collaborative governance models, green infrastructure projects, and community-led restoration initiatives. These contributions are intended to enhance water quality, restore ecological functions, promote sustainable resource use, and strengthen the resilience of water-dependent communities. Submission of both theoretical advances and applied case studies at local, regional, and global scales are welcome. More details regarding the sessions, including session chairs, keynote and invited speakers, are being updated continuously.