Groningen Sustainability Conference 2027

Lessons from the SDGs for a post-2030 agenda

April 05 –10, 2027

Zernike Campus, Groningen, The Netherlands

About GSC 2027

Accelerating Sustainable Development by 2030 and beyond

As the world approaches 2030, attention is increasingly turning towards how sustainable development can be accelerated in the remaining years of the SDGs while laying the foundations for what comes next. The Groningen Sustainability Conference 2027 provides a global platform for researchers, policy and governance, the private sector, and civil society to reflect on lessons learned from the SDGs and contribute to the future beyond 2030.

SDGs

169

Targets

Conference Days

Conference Themes

30+

Conference Sessions

400+

Participants

2015

SDGs Adopted

All United Nations member states adopted the 2030 Agenda with a set of17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2020

Global Challenges Intensify

Climate risks, biodiversity loss and inequality highlight the urgency of action.

2023

Midpoint Assessments of the SDGs

The world recognized that progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals was largely off track, reinforcing the need for accelerated action.

April 2027

GroningenGroningen Sustainability Conference

Global leaders gather to evaluate progress and shape the future beyond 2030.

September 2027

UN SDG Summit

The world assesses achievements and prepares for the next sustainability agenda.

2030

From SDGs to a post-2030 agenda

Building on lessons learned from the 2030 Agenda to guide future sustainable development.

Conference Themes

Five Themes Shaping the Future

Explore the major sustainability challenges and opportunities that will define a post-2030 agenda.

THEME 01

Lesson from SDGs

Reflecting on achievements, gaps and lessons for a post-2030 agenda.

THEME 02

Systems Transformation

Integrating nature, society, cities, and economies for a resilient future.

THEME 03

Climate Action

Addressing climate change through innovation, policy and collaboration.

THEME 04

Health, Well- Being & Societal Foundations

Building healthy societies as a foundation for sustainable development.

THEME 05

AI, Big Data & Digitalization

Exploring emerging technologies as enablers of sustainable transformation.

Important Dates

All deadlines at 23:59 subject to change.

24.08.2026

Abstract submission (Open)

25.10.2026

Abstract submission (first deadline)

22.11.2026

Abstract submission (final)

14.12.2026

Abstract decision (latest)

04-31.01.2027

Conference registration (early bird)

01.02.2027- 05.03.2027

Conference registration (regular)

05-06.04.2027

PhD Days

07-09.04.2027

Main conference

10.04.2027

Field tour

Conference Program

Six Days of Learning & Collaboration

Experience keynote sessions, thematic discussions, networking opportunities and field visits designed to shape sustainability beyond 2030.

Early Career Day 1

6 April 2027

Parallel Sessions

09:00 - 12:30

Research Presentations

13:30 - 17:00

Networking Event

18:00 - 20:00

Early Career Day 2

6 April 2027

Parallel Sessions

09:00 - 12:30

Research Presentations

13:30 - 17:00

Networking Event

18:00 - 20:00

Conference Day 1

5 April 2027

Registration & Welcome

08:00 - 09:00

Opening Ceremony

09:00 - 10:30

Keynote Session

11:00 - 12:30

Welcome Reception

18:00 - 20:00

Conference Day 2

6 April 2027

Parallel Sessions

09:00 - 12:30

Research Presentations

13:30 - 17:00

Networking Event

18:00 - 20:00

Conference Day 3

7 April 2027

Workshops

09:00 - 12:00

Panel Discussions

13:00 - 16:00

Sustainability Showcase

16:30 - 18:00

Conference Day 6

10 April 2027

Field Visits

09:00 - 13:00

Closing Plenary

14:00 - 16:00

Conference Closing

16:00 - 17:00

Key Note Speakers

Prajal Pradhan

Professor (Associate) at the University of Groningen

Invited Speakers

Klaus Hubacek (Director ESRIG)

Saurav Dhakal

Climate Storyteller StoryCycle I Director of Sustainable Growth and Innovation at Vesna Venture

Call for Papers & Submissions

We invite original research papers, policy papers, case studies, and poster presentations.

Submission Guidelines →

Abstracts should be 300 words
Abstract only submissions and poster presentations are also accepted.

Ready to Submit?

Abstract deadline: 20 Feb 2027

Registration Fees

Early Bird	$ .....
Regular	$ .....

International Steering Committee

Klaus Hubacek (Director ESRIG)
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Lorenzo Squintani
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Scientific Committee

International Steering Committee

Klaus Hubacek (Director ESRIG)

Prajal Pradhan

Professor (Associate) at the University of Groningen

Saurav Dhakal

Climate Storyteller StoryCycle I Director of Sustainable Growth and Innovation at Vesna Venture

Partners & Sponsors

Organizations Supporting GSC 2027

Bringing together universities, research institutions, international organizations and industry leaders committed to sustainable development.

Experience Groningen

Join us in one of Europe’s leading cities for sustainability, innovation and academic excellence.