Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues continue to influence corporate strategy, investment decisions, public policy and supply-chain management. For professionals working in sustainability, climate finance, responsible investment, compliance and impact measurement, international conferences provide opportunities to understand regulatory developments, exchange practical knowledge and build cross-border relationships.
The following is a selected list of major ESG, climate, sustainable-finance and circular-economy events taking place in 2026 and 2027. Dates and venues should be reconfirmed with each organiser before making travel arrangements.
1. ESGNext Awards & Conference – Virtual
Date: 3 December 2026
Format: Virtual
Website: ESGNext Conference
The ESGNext virtual conference is scheduled to bring together professionals to discuss sustainability strategy, innovation, responsible business and ESG implementation. Its online format makes it accessible to international participants who want to follow global ESG discussions without travelling.
2. COP31 – UN Climate Change Conference
Dates: 9–20 November 2026
Location: Antalya, Türkiye
COP31 is the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is expected to attract government delegations, businesses, financial institutions, civil-society organisations and climate experts. Key discussions are likely to include climate finance, emissions reduction, resilience, clean energy and implementation of national climate commitments.
3. World Circular Economy Forum 2026
Date: September 2026
Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
The World Circular Economy Forum focuses on how businesses and governments can reduce resource consumption, improve reuse and recycling, and develop more circular production systems. The event is relevant to professionals working in manufacturing, packaging, waste management, sustainable design and public policy.
4. ESGNext Awards & Conference Toronto
Dates: 19–20 April 2027
Location: Toronto, Canada
This international ESG conference is scheduled to address environmental, social and governance strategy, business responsibility and sustainability implementation. Toronto’s position as a major financial and business centre makes the event relevant to investors, corporate sustainability teams, consultants and compliance professionals.
5. ESGNext Awards & Conference Barcelona
Dates: 25–27 May 2027
Location: Barcelona, Spain
The Barcelona edition is planned as an academic and industry-focused event covering ESG strategy and sustainable business practices. It is expected to provide a platform for researchers, business leaders, sustainability professionals and other stakeholders to exchange ideas on responsible growth and long-term value creation.
6. OECD Forum on Green Finance and Investment 2026
Dates: 7–8 October 2026
Location: Paris, France
The OECD Forum on Green Finance and Investment is the organisation’s flagship event on sustainable finance. It brings together policymakers, financial institutions, investors and businesses to discuss the role of finance in the energy transition, climate resilience and sustainable economic development.
7. World Green Economy Summit 2026
Dates: 21–22 October 2026
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The 12th World Green Economy Summit is scheduled to take place at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will showcase green-economy initiatives and examine the role of technology, investment, energy transition, water security and food systems in sustainable development.
8. World Food Forum 2026
Dates: 8–16 October 2026
Location: Rome, Italy
The World Food Forum’s flagship event is scheduled at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It focuses on transforming agrifood systems and is relevant to professionals working in sustainable agriculture, food security, nutrition, climate resilience and responsible supply chains.
9. CII Global Sustainability Summit 2026
Date: 2026
Location: India
The CII Global Sustainability Summit provides a business-oriented platform for discussing sustainability, climate action and responsible growth. It brings together industry leaders, policymakers and sustainability practitioners to consider practical approaches for integrating sustainability into business and economic development.
10. ESG Africa Conference & Expo 2026
Date: 2026
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
ESG Africa Conference & Expo is focused on the sustainability challenges and opportunities affecting African economies. Topics include climate and nature risk, ESG reporting, green finance, responsible investment, technology and the transition to more resilient business models.
11. GreenShift Forum 2026
Date: 22 October 2026
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
GreenShift Forum 2026 will examine the growing role of ESG, green finance and climate innovation in Africa’s economic development. The event is expected to attract executives, investors, policymakers and sustainability professionals interested in regional solutions and investment opportunities.
12. Hong Kong Green Finance Association Forum 2026
Date: 7 September 2026
Location: Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Green Finance Association’s 2026 forum will focus on Asia’s transition and sustainable resilience. It is relevant to banks, asset managers, corporates, policymakers and other stakeholders interested in green bonds, transition finance, sustainable investment and regional capital markets.
13. ISCC Global Sustainability Conference 2026
Date: 2026
Location: To be confirmed
The ISCC Global Sustainability Conference brings together regulators, government bodies, certification organisations, NGOs, researchers and companies. Discussions generally focus on sustainability certification, traceability, responsible sourcing and the practical implementation of sustainability standards.
14. Climate Week NYC 2026
Date: September 2026
Location: New York City, United States
Climate Week NYC is one of the largest annual gatherings focused on climate action and corporate sustainability. It provides a platform for businesses, governments, investors and civil-society organisations to announce initiatives and discuss decarbonisation, climate finance, adaptation and responsible business.
15. Euronext Sustainability Week 2026
Dates: September 2026
Location: Multiple European locations
Euronext Sustainability Week brings together companies, investors, market participants and sustainability specialists. Its discussions typically address ESG disclosure, sustainable finance, capital markets, investor expectations and the integration of sustainability information into business decisions.
16. 13th OECD Forum on Green Finance and Investment
Dates: 7–8 October 2026
Location: Paris, France
The 13th edition of the OECD’s green-finance forum will explore how investment can support energy security, transition and resilience in a changing global environment. It is particularly relevant for financial institutions, government officials, institutional investors and companies developing transition-finance strategies.
17. UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2027
Date: July 2027
Location: New York City, United States
The UN High-Level Political Forum is the central United Nations platform for reviewing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. It is useful for professionals seeking insight into global sustainability policy, public-sector priorities and international development cooperation.
18. World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2027
Dates: January 2027
Location: Davos-Klosters, Switzerland
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting brings together leaders from business, government, finance, academia and civil society. ESG-related themes commonly include climate risk, responsible investment, energy transition, inclusive growth, technology governance and stakeholder capitalism.
19. Sustainability and ESG Compliance Summit 2027
Date: 2027
Location: Berlin, Germany
This summit is focused on sustainability compliance, ESG governance and corporate transformation. It is likely to be relevant to sustainability officers, legal and compliance teams, investors, consultants and organisations preparing for changing disclosure and reporting expectations.
20. UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development 2027
Date: 2027
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
The UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development will examine how education can support sustainable development, climate awareness and social transformation. It may be of interest to policymakers, academic institutions, civil-society organisations and companies involved in sustainability education and workforce development.
Choosing the Right ESG Conference
The best event depends on your professional priorities:
Climate policy and international negotiations: COP31 and other UN-led summits.
Sustainable finance and investment: OECD Forum on Green Finance and Investment, Hong Kong Green Finance Association Forum and Euronext Sustainability Week.
Circular economy and resource efficiency: World Circular Economy Forum.
Agriculture and food systems: World Food Forum.
Regional business opportunities: ESG Africa Conference & Expo and GreenShift Forum.
ESG strategy and professional networking: ESGNext Toronto, Barcelona and Virtual editions.
Education, policy and social development: UN HLPF and the UNESCO World Conference.
Dates, venues, registration fees and participation formats can change. Attendees should verify the final information on the official event website before booking flights, accommodation or conference passes.