Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, present your work, grow your network or find new ways to take action, the global calendar of climate change events is ripe with opportunities. From sustainable finance summits to water management conferences and everything in between, here is your guide to the most important climate events in 2023.
GLF–Luxembourg Finance for Nature: What Comes Next?
When: 7 March 2023
Where: Online & Luxembourg
More info: Website
Join financiers, project developers, investors and changemakers at the 6th GLF Investment Case Symposium, which will connect investors with local actors and highlight ways to leverage private investment for community projects. The finance sector has long been a driving force in the climate crisis, but the tide is turning for the better, and this event is your opportunity to learn about the latest financial tools and innovations, investable projects and more.
3rd Global Soil Biodiversity Conference
When: 13–15 March 2023
Where: Dublin, Ireland
More Info: Website
A summit of the world’s soil biodiversity researchers, educators and policy supporters of the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, this year’s Global Soil Biodiversity Conference has the theme of “Science as a basis for the sustainable use and conservation of soil biodiversity” and follows previous conferences in Dijon, France (2014) and Nanjing, China (2017).
UN 2023 Water Conference
When: 22–24 March 2023
Where: New York, NY, United States
More info: Website
Co-hosted by Tajikistan and the Netherlands, the UN 2023 Water Conference will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York and include an opening and closing session, six plenaries, five interactive dialogues, and numerous side events organized by participants.
The 6th Nordic Conference on Climate Change Adaptation, NOCCA23
When: 17–19 April 2023
Where: Reykjavík, Iceland and online (day 1 only)
More info: Website
The 6th Nordic Conference on Climate Change Adaptation will host a mix of plenary sessions and workshops focused on climate change adaptation in Nordic cities and municipalities. Nordic nations face common threats such as rising sea levels, forest fires and public health issues, as well as a shared desire to become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world in 2030. This event offers a platform for discussion, education and knowledge sharing between all the stakeholders in Nordic climate change adaptation.
Bonn Climate Change Conference
When: 5–15 June 2023
Where: Bonn, Germany
More info: Website
The 58th session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) will again be held in Bonn, Germany, where participants will reflect on information and develop advice on upcoming negotiations at the UNFCCC COP28 (see below).
The 36th Conference of the International Association of Climatology
When: 3–7 July 2023
Where: Bucharest, Romania
More info: Website
With a theme of “Climate, water and society: Changes and challenges,” this conference brings together researchers, professionals, specialists and managers from different institutions and countries to explore the latest research in the field of climatology, hydrology and other related sciences.
World Water Week 2023
When: 27 August – 1 September 2023
Where: Stockholm, Sweden and online
More info: Website
Organized by SIWI, World Water Week 2023 is focused on innovative solutions for sustainable water management. The week-long event invites participants to think about how we engage with water in challenging times and explore the ideas, advances and governance needed in an increasingly water-scarce world.
8th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum (APAN Forum)
When: 28 August – 1 September 2023
Where: Incheon City, Republic of Korea
More info: Website
The APAN Forum is the biennial event of the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network Secretariat and will bring together participants from governments, UN agencies, academia, financing institutions, youth organizations, the private sector and more. The Forum provides an opportunity to strengthen ties between sectors for adaptation action, reflect on the COP27 outcomes and consider regional inputs for COP28.
2023 Sustainable Development Goals Summit
When: 9–20 September 2023
Where: New York, NY, United States
More info: Website
For the second SDG Summit since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in 2015, world leaders will review the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Marking the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda implementation, the summit will also invite political and thought leaders from international organizations, the private sector, women, youth and other stakeholders to “high-level meetings with the Heads of State and Government.”
Climate Week NYC 2023
When: 18–24 September 2023
Where: New York, NY, United States
More info: Website
Now in its 15th edition, Climate Week NYC brings together leaders from business, government and the “climate community” in conjunction with the UN General Assembly and the City of New York, where the main program is held. Climate Week NYC 2023 will also see over 400 events across the world in its “official events program.”
2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28)
When: 30 November – 12 December 2023
Where: United Arab Emirates
More info: Website
As the year’s climax of climate decision-making, COP 28 will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. This summit will bring together representatives from around the world in an attempt to tackle the ongoing climate crises. It follows on from the 2022 COP27, which took place in Egypt and saw a historic agreement on loss and damage, despite the overall conference falling short of many hopes.
