The Green Institute convenes the 7th Annual World Environment Day Symposium to address the accelerating impacts of urbanisation on climate resilience. As cities confront rising heat, flooding, pollution, and infrastructure pressures, the symposium advances evidence-based strategies, policy innovation, and practical solutions for building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban futures. It brings together global experts, policymakers, industry leaders, practitioners, and communities to drive action at local, national, and global levels.

SPEAKERS

Submissions addressing the themes outlined below are welcome, along with related topics that contribute to global efforts to address plastic pollution and advance sustainable solutions.

Climate-Resilient Urban Planning and Infrastructure

• Climate-responsive urban design and land-use planning

• Resilient transport, housing, and public infrastructure

• Nature-based solutions and urban green spaces

• Flood, heat, and disaster risk reduction in cities

• Integrating resilience into urban development policies

Sustainable Urban Systems and Resource Management

• Urban energy systems and low-carbon transitions

• Water security, sanitation, and urban hydrology

• Waste management and circular economy approaches

• Sustainable urban food systems and logistics

• Resource-efficient cities and consumption patterns

Cities, Climate Governance, and Policy Innovation

• Urban climate governance and institutional frameworks

• Multi-level coordination between cities, regions, and nations

• Financing resilient and sustainable urban development

• Public–private partnerships for urban climate action

• Aligning urban policy with global climate commitments

Technology, Data, and Innovation for Smart and Resilient Cities

• Digital tools and data for urban climate decision-making

• Smart city technologies and climate monitoring systems

• Urban modelling, forecasting, and risk assessment

• Innovation ecosystems supporting resilient cities

• Ethical, inclusive, and people-centred urban technologies

Social Equity, Health, and Community Resilience in Cities

• Urban inequality, climate vulnerability, and adaptation

• Public health impacts of climate change in cities

• Community-led resilience and local climate action

• Inclusive urban development for vulnerable populations

• Culture, behaviour, and social systems in urban resilience

Important Deadlines

DEADLINE FOR Abstract Submission

April 28, 2026

Acceptance Notification

May 7, 2026

DEADLINE FOR EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION

May 20, 2026

DEADLINE FOR Full Paper Submission and Registration

May 25, 2026

Abstract Submission

During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to submit a 250-word abstract in English. This abstract should include the title, theme, focus, and main contributions of your paper, article, or research.

Paper Format

All panel abstracts, paper abstracts, posters, and presentations will be available online as open access on our website.

Three types of manuscripts may be submitted:

• Full-length Articles: These should describe new and carefully confirmed findings, and experimental procedures should be given in sufficient detail for others to verify the work. The length of a full paper should be the minimum required to describe and interpret the work clearly.

• Short Communications: Suitable for recording the results of complete small investigations or giving details of new models or hypotheses, innovative methods, techniques, or apparatus. The style of the main sections need not conform to that of full-length papers. Short communications should be 2 to 4 printed pages (about 6 to 12 manuscript pages) in length.

• Reviews: Submissions of reviews and perspectives covering topics of current interest are welcome and encouraged. Reviews should be concise and no longer than 4-6 printed pages (about 12 to 18 manuscript pages). Reviews are also peer-reviewed.

• Posters: Submission of posters must include data and methodology. Posters are subject to peer review and will be made available on all our platforms before the day of the event.

Anybody willing to present or publish a presented paper must register for the conference and submit an abstract(s). Abstracts and full-length papers (in case of peer-reviewed publication) should be emailed to wsc@greeninstitute.ng with this ms-word file name format “WED2026_Peterson_Abstract” or “WED2026_Peterson_Fullpaper” where “Peterson” represents the corresponding author's surname and “WED2026” stands for the conference code.

Fees & Certification

CERTIFICATION

A verifiable ‘Certificate of Participation’ will be issued to participants who have successfully presented their papers, at a discounted rate.

• Participation + Certificate: $10

• Oral Presentation + Certificate: $25

• Poster Presentation + Certificate: $25

• Presentation + Certificate + Publication: $100

You will have the option to make your certification payment after receiving registration confirmation from the Organizing Committee.

All participants—keynote speakers, panelists, presenters, and the audience—have the opportunity to submit and deliver their papers on the sub-themes listed above. Why not showcase your views on sustainability to the world at this year's event?

The conference features five sessions, with three keynote speakers delivering opening lectures central to the theme. Following this, each of the five sessions will have ten or more speakers presenting their articles or papers.

A moderator will manage the speakers, presentations, and timing. Each session will last for two hours, including a short break.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Each keynote speaker has a total of 30 minutes to deliver their article, paper, or research. The first 20 minutes are for the lecture or presentation, followed by a brief ten-minute Question and Answer session.

PRESENTERS

Presenters have 12 minutes for their lectures: ten minutes for the presentation on their chosen sub-theme and two minutes for a quick Question and Answer session.

MEDIUM FOR ATTENDANCE

This year's conference will be virtual. Participants—speakers, panelists, presenters, and the audience—will receive a link for the video conference via email or text message.

We will also live-stream the conference in real-time. Connect and join us from anywhere via a phone or computer. If you're presenting a lecture, you will need a good microphone, in addition to a webcam and a computer or phone. Please test these devices before the online conference begins to ensure they are working properly.

After registering, you will receive more information about the World Environment Day Symposium. If you have any questions or wish to know more about this online conference, email us at hello@greeninstitute.ng or click here. Our team is ready to assist you.

TO BE ANNOUNCED