The fifth Global Sustainable Development Congress gathered thousands of leaders from higher education, government, business and civil society at Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD), creating a global platform for collaboration and sustainable innovation. The four-day event reinforced Indonesia’s growing role in advancing international sustainability partnerships.
The Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026 took place from 22–25 June 2026 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) in Jakarta, Indonesia, welcoming more than 5,000 delegates from over 120 countries. Organised by Times Higher Education, the annual congress serves as one of the world’s leading forums dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through cross-sector collaboration.
Now in its fifth edition, the congress brought together university leaders, researchers, policymakers, business executives, investors and representatives from non-governmental organisations to explore practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions, participants shared knowledge and forged partnerships designed to accelerate sustainable transformation across education, industry and government.
The 2026 programme featured an extensive line-up of international speakers, including senior Indonesian government officials such as Brian Yuliarto, Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, and Stella Christie, Vice Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology. They were joined by global leaders from organisations including the European Investment Bank, United Nations, Sunway Group, Olam Agri, Sinar Mas Land, Nickel Industries, SEAMEO, and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, highlighting the congress’s multidisciplinary approach to sustainable development.
Discussions centred on translating research into real-world impact, strengthening public-private partnerships, financing sustainable development, climate resilience, innovation, responsible business practices and higher education’s contribution towards achieving the SDGs by 2030. Dedicated sessions encouraged collaboration between academia, governments, corporations and civil society, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing global environmental, economic and social challenges.
Hosting the congress at ICE BSD also showcased Indonesia’s ambition to become a regional hub for international dialogue on sustainability. The venue welcomed delegates from around the world for four days of knowledge exchange, policy discussions and collaborative initiatives designed to generate measurable outcomes beyond the event itself. According to the organisers, the 2026 edition expanded its programme with additional stages, increased attendance and greater opportunities for networking and partnership building.
As governments, universities and industries continue to seek innovative pathways towards sustainable growth, the Global Sustainable Development Congress remains an influential platform where ideas evolve into practical action. By bringing together expertise from across sectors and continents, GSDC 2026 demonstrated the vital role of international cooperation in building a more resilient and sustainable future.
Source: Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026
