The year 2024 will be a critical one for accelerating our progress towards a net-zero future. It’s crucial now that we sustain momentum, galvanise concerted action, and ensure the upholding of commitments and accountability of governments and leaders to deliver against key climate pacts.
Staying tuned to the big events and conferences taking place across the year in the realm of climate and sustainability, helps us keep abreast of news and global progress in the net zero transition, on both a business and individual level.
In the second half of 2024, there’s a plethora of UN summits, including the Biodiversity COP16, Climate COP29, the 6th UN Environment Assembly, and the 12th World Urban Forum, to name a few.
Further to these, several energy conferences and expos are scheduled throughout the year; as well as youth climate activist events, and smaller-scale summits for business leaders and industry experts to showcase schemes and innovations for addressing challenges within our densely populated urban areas.
Here are some key dates for your diary, relating to sustainability, conservation and climate action.
Future Green City World Congress, Netherlands: 23-26 September, 2024
A congress dedicated to exploring sustainable and green urban development, featuring discussions on eco-friendly infrastructure, energy efficiency, and green technologies. Future Green City
The Summit of the Future: 22-23 September, 2024
The Summit of the Future will look at how nations can cooperate better to deliver on many existing agreements and commitments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 2030 Agenda, and the Paris Agreement.
Future Urbanism, Dubai: 14 – 18 October, 2024 (co-located with GITEX Global)
An expo and summit focusing on smart city initiatives, sustainable urban development, and innovations in city planning and management. Future Urbanism Expo
The Biodiversity COP16: October 21-November 1, 2024
The United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP16) is scheduled to be held in Cali, Colombia, in late October. Originally, Turkey was going to host it but after a series of earthquakes in February 2023 they had to withdraw.
The Net Zero Festival: 22–23 October, 2024
Hosted by Business Green, the Net Zero Festival features a diverse program of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. Participants have the opportunity to hear from thought leaders, industry experts, and leading organizations on topics such as renewable energy, sustainable transportation, circular economy, carbon pricing, climate finance, and corporate sustainability strategies.
The 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12): 4-8 November, 2024
With the theme, ‘It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities’, WUF12 will focus on localising the Sustainable Development Goals, in order to empower local stakeholders, encourage citizen participation, and make sustainable development more responsive to local needs. This year the event will be held in Cairo, Egypt. WUF12
Smart City Expo World Congress, Barcelona: 5-7 November, 2024
An annual event showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in smart city development, featuring discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Smart City Expo World Congress
United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29): 11-22 November, 2024
The COP29 summit, the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan this November.
LiveableCitiesX, Dubai: 26-28 November, 2024
A conference focusing on creating livable and sustainable cities, although the agenda is not yet available at the time of listing. LiveableCitiesX
