About the Summit

Learn about the mission, history and vision behind the 7th World Environment Summit β€” a global gathering for science, policy and sustainable action.

World Environment Summit 2026 (WES 2026)

The 7th World Environment Summit 2026Β  is a premier international platform dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, circular economy, green innovation, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bringing together distinguished researchers, academicians, policymakers, government officials, industry leaders, environmental professionals, students, and development organizations from across the globe, the Summit fosters scientific excellence, meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.

The Summit will be organized by ESDA India Environment and Social Development (ESDA India) AssociationΒ from 22–26 October 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It will offer a dynamic blend of high-quality scientific sessions, keynote lectures by renowned experts, technical paper presentations, international awards, networking opportunities, and an enriching eco-heritage experience. WES 2026 aims to serve as a catalyst for translating research into action, fostering global partnerships, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspiring innovative solutions for a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future.

About the Summit

The world is entering one of the most critical periods in human history. Environmental challenges that once appeared as isolated concerns have now evolved into interconnected global crises affecting every nation, economy, ecosystem, and community. Climate change is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, resulting in rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, floods, droughts, wildfires, and increasing climate-related disasters across the globe. Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate, forests and wetlands continue to disappear, freshwater resources are under immense pressure, air and water pollution threaten millions of lives each year, and unsustainable patterns of production and consumption are placing enormous stress on the planet’s natural systems.

Conference Theme

One Planet β€’ One Future β€’ One Collective Action

Advancing Environmental Sustainability through Science, Innovation, Policy, and Global Partnerships

Β The 7th World Environment Summit 2026 embraces the collective responsibility of governments, academia, industry, communities, and international organizations to address global environmental challenges through scientific excellence, technological innovation, evidence-based policymaking, and collaborative action. The Summit seeks to accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, innovation, and strategic global partnerships for a sustainable, resilient, and climate-secure future.

Objectives

The World Environment Summit 2026 aims to:

Advance scientific research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in environmental sustainability.

Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among academia, government, industry, and civil society.

Promote the exchange of innovative technologies, best practices, and evidence-based policy solutions

Strengthen international partnerships for collaborative research, capacity building, and sustainable development.

Strengthen international partnerships for collaborative research, capacity building, and sustainable development.

Inspire practical and scalable solutions that contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recognize outstanding contributions to environmental research, innovation, and sustainability leadership through the ESDA International Award

Who Should Attend?

The Summit welcomes participation from:

Why Attend the World Environment Summit 2026?

Participating in WES 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with a distinguished international community of researchers, academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, sustainability professionals, and development practitioners. The Summit provides an exceptional platform to present original research, exchange ideas with globally recognized experts, establish strategic collaborations, explore emerging technologies, gain international recognition, expand professional networks, and contribute to shaping innovative solutions for global environmental challenges. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, policymaker, entrepreneur, or student, WES 2026 offers invaluable opportunities for learning, collaboration, professional growth, and international engagement.

Why Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka offers an inspiring destination for an international environmental summit, where extraordinary biodiversity, breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a growing commitment to sustainable development come together. As one of South Asia’s most environmentally diverse island nations, Sri Lanka provides an ideal setting for scientific dialogue, international collaboration, and experiential learning. Beyond the conference, participants will experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pristine coastlines, tropical ecosystems, and renowned eco-tourism destinations, making WES 2026 a unique combination of academic excellence, global networking, cultural exchange, and unforgettable eco-heritage experiences.

About ESDA India

Leading Environmental Protection, Sustainability and Social Development Through Knowledge, Leadership and Collective Action

Founded in 2004, the Environment & Social Development Association (ESDA India) is a nationally recognized non-profit organization committed to advancing environmental protection, sustainable development, and social well-being through research, education, innovation, policy dialogue, leadership development, and community engagement. Over the past 22 years, ESDA has evolved into a dynamic platform that connects scientists, academicians, policymakers, students, institutions, industries, civil society organizations, and communities to work collectively towards building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Past World Environment Summits

 A Journey of Vision, Scientific Excellence, and Global Collaboration

The World Environment Summit (WES 2026) is ESDA India’s flagship international conference, established to create a globally recognized platform for scientific dialogue, environmental leadership, and sustainable development. The journey of the Summit began in 2020 under the visionary leadership of Dr. Jitendra K. Nagar, renowned environmentalist and sustainability leader, and General Secretary of ESDA India. Serving as the Organizing Secretary of all six editions, Dr. Nagar has played a pivotal role in transforming the World Environment Summit into one of the region’s most respected international platforms for scientific excellence, environmental sustainability, and global collaboration. Since its inception, the Summit has been successfully organized through the collective efforts of ESDA India, dedicated organizing committees, volunteers, and the valuable support of distinguished experts and institutions from India and around the world.

The first five editions of the World Environment Summit were successfully organized in India, laying a strong foundation for national and international collaboration in environmental research and sustainable development. Over the years, the Summit has attracted researchers, academicians, scientists, students, policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability professionals from some of India’s most prestigious institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), AIIMS, CSIR, NEERI, ICMR, ICAR, DST, CPCB, NITI Aayog, and numerous other leading universities, research institutions, government organizations, and international institutions. Participants from these institutions have actively contributed through research paper presentations, keynote and invited lectures, technical sessions, panel discussions, and scientific committee memberships, significantly enriching the academic quality and global reputation of the Summit.

🌍 Journey of the World Environment Summit

Building a Global Platform for Sustainability, Innovation & Environmental Leadership

Edition Year Host City
1st World Environment Summit 2020 New Delhi, India
2nd World Environment Summit 2021 New Delhi, India
3rd World Environment Summit 2022 New Delhi, India
4th World Environment Summit 2023 Greater Noida, India
5th World Environment Summit 2024 New Delhi, India
6th World Environment Summit 2025 Bangkok, Thailand
7th World Environment Summit 2026 Colombo, Sri Lanka Upcoming
🌱 WES at a Glance
🌍
6
Successful Editions
πŸ‘₯
5,000+
Participants Worldwide
🎀
700+
Distinguished Speakers
πŸ†
500+
ESDA International Awards
🌐
Global
Participation from Numerous Countries
πŸŽ“
Top
Leading Universities, Research Institutions & Government Organizations

Be part of the 7th World Environment Summit

This October in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Message from the Organizing Secretary

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 7th World Environment SummitΒ  2026, a global platform committed to advancing environmental sustainability through science, innovation, policy, and international collaboration.

Since the inception of the World Environment Summit in 2020, our aspiration has been to build more than an annual conference. We envisioned a globally respected platform that connects knowledge with action, science with policy, research with innovation, and local initiatives with global partnerships. Today, after six successful editions, that vision continues to grow stronger through the participation and support of distinguished institutions, renowned experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental professionals from around the world.The environmental challenges confronting humanity, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, resource depletion, and unsustainable patterns of development, cannot be addressed by any single institution, country, or discipline. They demand scientific excellence, visionary leadership, evidence-based policymaking, technological innovation, and above all, meaningful international collaboration.

Connect with Dr. Jitendra Nagar

Expected Outcomes

Delivering Lasting Impact Beyond the Conference

The 7th World Environment Summit 2026 is designed to generate meaningful outcomes that extend well beyond the conference itself. By bringing together researchers, policymakers, educators, industry leaders, innovators, environmental professionals, development organizations, and international institutions, the Summit seeks to transform scientific knowledge into practical solutions, strengthen global partnerships, and accelerate collective action towards a more sustainable future.The outcomes of WES 2026 are envisioned under three strategic pillars that will contribute to long-term environmental sustainability, scientific advancement, and international cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Everything You Need to Know About WES 2026

The 7th World Environment Summit (WES 2026) is ESDA India's flagship international conference dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability through science, innovation, policy, education, and global partnerships. The Summit brings together researchers, academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, students, environmental professionals, and development organizations from around the world to exchange knowledge, present research, foster collaborations, and develop sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges.

The Summit will be held from 22–26 October 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, featuring scientific sessions, keynote lectures, technical presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, the ESDA International Awards Ceremony, and an eco-heritage study tour.

WES 2026 welcomes participation from:

  • Researchers and Scientists
  • Faculty Members and Academicians
  • Research Scholars and Students
  • Government Officials and Policymakers
  • Industry Professionals and Corporate Leaders
  • Environmental Consultants
  • NGOs and Civil Society Organizations
  • Entrepreneurs and Innovators
  • International Development Organizations
  • Anyone committed to environmental sustainability and sustainable development

Yes. WES 2026 offers both Physical and Virtual participation options, enabling delegates worldwide to join according to their preferences and availability.

Yes. Researchers, academicians, students, and professionals are invited to submit original research papers, review papers, case studies, and innovative practices aligned with the conference themes. Accepted submissions will be scheduled for oral or poster presentations based on the Scientific Committee's review.

Yes. Authors may submit multiple papers, provided each submission is original, independently reviewed, and registered separately in accordance with the conference guidelines.

Yes. All accepted abstracts will be published in the Official Conference Souvenir & Abstract Book. In addition, selected high-quality full-length papers, recommended by the Scientific Committee and accepted through the peer-review and editorial process, may be considered for publication in Scopus-indexed journals, edited books, conference proceedings, and other reputed national and international publications through WES publishing partners. Publication opportunities are subject to manuscript quality, peer-review outcomes, editorial policies, and the acceptance criteria of the respective publication.

Please refer to the Publication Opportunities section for complete details.

The ESDA International Awards recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in environmental protection, sustainability, scientific research, innovation, education, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and social development. Award categories, eligibility criteria, and nomination guidelines are available in the Awards section.

Registration benefits vary depending on the selected participation category and may include access to technical sessions, conference materials, presentation opportunities, certificates, networking sessions, the ESDA International Awards Ceremony, conference publications, meals during the conference, and, where applicable, the official Sri Lanka eco-heritage tour.

Please refer to the Registration section for detailed package inclusions.

Accommodation is included only for participants registering under the designated conference-tour packages. Details regarding hotels, room categories, package inclusions, and booking policies are available in the Registration section.

Yes. Registered participants will receive an Official Certificate of Participation, while presenting authors will receive a Certificate of Presentation. Official certificates will also be provided to invited speakers, session chairs, reviewers, volunteers, and recipients of the ESDA International Awards, as applicable.

Yes. Upon successful registration, the Organizing Committee can issue an Official Invitation Letter. International participants requiring a visa may also request supporting documents to facilitate their visa application, subject to conference policies.

Universities, research institutions, government organizations, industries, NGOs, corporate organizations, and international agencies are invited to collaborate through sponsorships, institutional partnerships, exhibitions, and knowledge partnerships. Customized partnership opportunities are available through the Organizing Committee.

Students and young professionals passionate about sustainability and event management are encouraged to join the WES Volunteer Team. Selected volunteers will gain valuable international conference experience, receive professional mentoring, and be awarded an Official Certificate of Appreciation upon successful completion of their responsibilities

WES 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity to:

  • Present your research before an international audience.
  • Learn from distinguished scientists, policymakers, and sustainability leaders.
  • Build global academic and professional networks.
  • Explore collaborative research and funding opportunities.
  • Gain international recognition through presentations and the ESDA International Awards.
  • Experience Sri Lanka's rich environmental, cultural, and heritage attractions.
  • Become part of a growing global community committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Contact the Organizing Secretary

Dr. Jitendra K. Nagar
Organizing Secretary
7th World Environment Summit 2026

General Secretary
ESDA India (Environment & Social Development Association)

πŸ“§ Email:esda.env@gmail.com
πŸ“± Mobile / WhatsApp:+91-9810086649
🌐 Website:www.esdaindia.org/wes2026

We Look Forward to Welcoming You

We warmly invite you to join the 7th World Environment Summit 2026Β in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and become part of a global platform dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability through science, innovation, policy, education, and international collaboration.

Together, let us transform knowledge into action, research into real-world solutions, partnerships into lasting impact, and our shared commitment into a healthier, greener, and more sustainable future for present and future generations.

Be part of the 7th World Environment Summit 2026

This October in Colombo, Sri Lanka.