One Earth Summit 2026 Brings 700 Leaders Together in Hong Kong for Climate and AI

The third One Earth Summit brought more than 700 participants together in Hong Kong on 30 October 2026, as leaders from government, business, academia and philanthropy examined how human wisdom should guide technology in the age of artificial intelligence. The One Earth Summit 2026, jointly organised by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, was held at the Regala Skycity Hotel under the theme “Collective Flourishing in the Intelligent Age”.

According to the organisers, the summit featured 12 keynote addresses and eight panel discussions, with more than 40 speakers across three core themes: AI for Good, Energy and Climate, and Oceans and Nature.

A summit built around three themes

The Technology for Good discussions explored how education can nurture AI literacy, responsible leadership and young innovators who turn ideas into practical solutions. Speakers stressed that AI’s contribution depends not only on technological advances, but also on responsible deployment, equitable access and talent development.

The Energy and Climate sessions focused on how clean technologies, energy efficiency and investment can work together to accelerate the green transition. Speakers examined the infrastructure, partnerships and local capabilities needed to turn climate ambitions into practical projects and more resilient communities.

The Oceans and Nature theme examined nature’s role in sustaining prosperity and community resilience, and the importance of integrating environmental considerations into investment, education and development. Long-term stewardship and partnerships responsive to local needs were presented as foundations of wellbeing for future generations.

Key facts

• Third edition of the One Earth Summit, held on 30 October 2026 at the Regala Skycity Hotel in Hong Kong.
• More than 40 speakers and over 700 participants from government, business, academia and philanthropy.
• 12 keynote addresses and eight panel discussions across three themes: AI for Good, Energy and Climate, and Oceans and Nature.
• 100 young entrepreneurs and founders from more than 20 countries joined as youth delegates through the One Earth NextGen Innovators Program.
• Organisers describe the summit as one of Asia’s leading forums advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, having convened more than 1,600 people across its editions.

What the speakers said

In a video welcome address, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said climate research and technological progress must spur concerted global action, and that accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss demand results. He said Hong Kong is committed to turning dialogue into impact by mobilising capital, technology and people for sustainable growth across Asia and the world.

Founder of One Earth Initiatives Poman Lo said that as AI systems become more autonomous, the window to guide their development with human wisdom is narrowing, and that innovation must serve humanity with prosperity shared and no one left behind.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Council Chairman Professor Harry Shum said technological progress should be measured not by capability alone, but by its capacity to foster collective flourishing, elevate human lives and protect the planet, and by moving green technologies from the laboratory into everyday life.

China’s Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises are intensifying, making the green transition an irreversible global trend, and called on Hong Kong to use its role as an international financial centre to mobilise green investment and share expertise with the Global South.

Why it matters ahead of COP31

The summit comes just ten days before the UN climate conference COP31 opens in Antalya, Türkiye, on 9 November 2026. Its discussions on clean energy, green finance, nature and the responsible use of AI speak directly to the implementation questions negotiators will face there — how to turn pledges into projects, finance into infrastructure, and innovation into benefits for vulnerable communities. Readers can follow Watan News’ COP31 coverage in our report on the COP31 zero-waste agenda.

The organisers present the summit not as a single gathering but as a catalyst for year-round collaboration, aligning human intention with technological capability. For climate policy, that framing matters: summits are judged less by their speeches than by whether partnerships formed there survive until the next negotiation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the One Earth Summit?

It is a forum organised by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology that brings leaders across sectors together to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through purpose-driven innovation and partnership.

When and where was the 2026 summit held?

The third One Earth Summit took place on 30 October 2026 at the Regala Skycity Hotel in Hong Kong.

How many people took part?

According to the organisers, more than 40 speakers and over 700 participants from government, business, academia and philanthropy took part, with 12 keynote addresses and eight panel discussions.

What were the main themes?

The three core themes were AI for Good, Energy and Climate, and Oceans and Nature.

How does the summit connect to COP31?

COP31 opens in Antalya, Türkiye, on 9 November 2026. The summit’s discussions on clean technology, green finance, nature and responsible AI address the same implementation challenge COP31 faces: turning climate commitments into practical projects.

The summit’s message was deliberately simple: technology will keep advancing, but human wisdom must decide where it goes — and whether its benefits reach the communities that need them most.