2026 International Symposium on Sustainable Development​ (ISSD 2026)

2026 International Symposium on Sustainable Development​ (ISSD 2026)

  • 23/10/2026
  • RMIT Saigon South Campus
event header image

About the symposium

The International Symposium on Sustainable Development 2026 (ISSD 2026) will be hosted by the Sustainable Development and Consumption Research Cluster at The Business School, RMIT Vietnam.

On 23 October 2026, researchers, academics, practitioners, and policy-makers will come together to engage with the symposium theme: "Transitions, Innovations, and Policies for Sustainable Development." Through keynote presentations, research sessions, and collaborative discussions, ISSD 2026 will provide a platform for advancing interdisciplinary sustainability research and fostering partnerships that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Participation in ISSD 2026 is free of charge. No submission and registration fees are required.

Symposium topics

ISSD 2026 welcomes submissions across a broad range of sustainability-related disciplines, including:​

Sustainable Systems, Consumption and Societal Transitions

  • Sustainable consumption systems and structural change
  • Consumer behaviour, lifestyles, and socio-technical transitions
  • Markets, platforms, AI, and algorithmic influence on sustainability
  • Behavioural governance, regenerative futures, and societal transformation

Sustainable Finance, Circular Economy, and Net-Zero Transitions

  • Sustainable, green, and transition finance
  • Circular economy models and circular value chains
  • Investment, disclosure, and sustainability risk
  • Financing climate action and net-zero transitions
  • Business transformation for low-carbon and circular systems

Digitalisation, Innovation and Responsible Technology

  • AI, digital technologies, and sustainability transitions
  • Innovation ecosystems for sustainable development
  • Data, platforms, and digital governance
  • Responsible technology, inclusion, and sustainability impact

Policy, Governance and Institutional Transformation

  • Public policy and governance for sustainability transitions
  • Institutional change and regulatory design
  • Cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement
  • Policy implementation in emerging and transition economies
  • Just transitions, resilience, and inclusive sustainability pathways

Important dates

Milestone
Timeline
Submission deadline 15 August 2026
Notification of acceptance 04 September 2026
Registration deadline 23 September 2026
Final programme Early October
Symposium date 23 October 2026

People

Honourary Chair

  • Professor Robert McClelland - Dean of The Business School, RMIT Vietnam

Co-Chairs

  • Associate Professor Huy Pham - The Business School, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Tuan Chu - The Business School, RMIT Vietnam

Organising committee

  • Dr Anh Dao, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Hanh Le, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Huy Doan, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Vicki Little, RMIT Vietnam

Scientific committee

  • Dr Anh Nguyen, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Anushka, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Binh Hoang Nguyen, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Chung Phan, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Fiza Qureshi, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Nhung Vu, RMIT Vietnam
  • Dr Van Ha, RMIT Vietnam

Programme highlights

ISSD 2026 brings together researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, and industry leaders to explore innovative pathways toward a more sustainable future.

Bert George

Keynote address

Gain insights from internationally recognised scholar Professor Bert George (City University of Hong Kong) on contemporary challenges and opportunities in sustainable development and public governance.

Sustainability Development

Research presentation sessions

Present your latest research and receive constructive feedback through parallel sessions covering:

  • Sustainable consumption and societal transitions
  • Circular economy and sustainable finance
  • Digitalisation and responsible technology
  • Policy, governance, and institutional transformation

Strategy roundtable

Join an interactive roundtable discussion exploring the future of sustainable development in the age of artificial intelligence.

Editors' sharing panel

Engage directly with senior scholars and journal editors who will provide practical guidance on transforming conference papers into publishable journal articles.

HDR and early-career researcher development

Dedicated sessions designed to support doctoral candidates and emerging researchers through mentoring, publication advice, and networking opportunities.

Networking and collaboration

Connect with an international community of scholars, practitioners, and institutions.

sustainability-week-2025-header-1440x450.jpg

Contact us

For enquiries, please contact us at: the.business.school@rmit.edu.vn

Other events

phd-info-day-1220x732.jpg

Explore fully funded PhD opportunities at RMIT Vietnam

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 04 Jul 2026 - 10 Jul 2026
pf-info-day-1200x800.jpg

Information session and workshops: Master of Artificial Intelligence

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 18 Jul 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. RMIT Saigon South
info-day-ug-thumbnail-1200x800.jpg

Information day: Map your pathway and finalise your choices with RMIT

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 19 Jul 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. RMIT Saigon South, RMIT Hanoi
Higher education horizons thumbnail image

Higher Education Horizons 2026 - The Human Edge

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 25 Sep 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. RMIT Saigon South