The Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue convenes social science researchers and scientists from Stanford University and across the Asia-Pacific region, alongside policymakers, private and public sector experts, and emerging leaders to accelerate progress on achieving the United Nations-adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Dialogue aims to generate new research and policy partnerships to expedite the implementation of the Agenda's underlying framework of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2026 Dialogue focuses on advancing SDG 12: Ensure responsible and sustainable consumption and production patterns. It will be held in Singapore on October 25-26, 2026 (Singapore Time), and is free and open to the public.

The fifth annual 2026 Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue will explore a roadmap for bridging gaps in achieving SDG 12-related targets. Following the format of the previous Dialogue convenings and using a two-track approach, the Dialogue will consist of a Student Innovation Showcase on the first day and plenaries featuring prominent leaders, including the 8th Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, on the second day. The Dialogue will examine policies and financial practices that advance responsible consumption and production; explore pathways to circular economies, responsible supply chains, and stronger corporate accountability; assess strategies for shifting consumption behavior and expanding access to sustainable products and services; identify policy gaps across nations at different stages of development; examine how global trade, economic integration, and critical mineral use shape patterns of resource extraction across the region; and evaluate approaches to scale solutions for the targets of SDG 12.

AGENDA 

The complete program agenda and speaker list are forthcoming.

 
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25

Student Innovation Showcase: Integrative Design Solutions for Advancing SDG 12

Organized by Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future, and Co-Hosted by Singapore Management University.

9 a.m.-4:20 p.m.
Student Showcase

4:20-5 p.m. 
Judging of Showcase

5-5:25 p.m.
Award Ceremony and Closing Remarks

• • •

Monday, OCTOBER 26

Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue: Scaling Responsible Production & Consumption

Organized by Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future.

9-9:10 a.m.
Opening Session

9:10-9:50 a.m.
World Leaders Session: Accelerating Action on SDG 12 (Target 12.1)
Sponsored by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future

9:50-10:50 a.m.
Fireside Chat: Powering Asia-Pacific’s Energy Transition Through Technology and Trade (Target 12.a)
Sponsored by Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability’s Center for Sustainability in Southeast Asia at the Precourt Institute for Energy

10:50-11 a.m.
Break

11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Plenary 1: Driving Corporate Sustainability in Clean Energy Through Investment (Target 12.6)
Sponsored by the Asian Development Bank’s Energy Sector Group

12-1:30 p.m.
Lunch Break

1:30-2:30 p.m.
Plenary 2: Managing Critical Minerals and Regional Security (Target 12.2)
Sponsored by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia and Stanford University’s Natural Capital Alliance

3:30-3:45 p.m.
Break

3:45-4:45 p.m.
Plenary 4: Governing Sustainable AI (Target 12.7)
Sponsored by Stanford University’s Center for Sustainable Development and Global Competitiveness and the University of Melbourne

4:45-5:45 p.m.
Industry Leaders Session: Transforming Circular Economy and Material Innovation (Target 12.5)
Sponsored by Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center

5:45-6:15 p.m.
Closing Session