Conference Details and Venue
The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) is set to host its flagship 29th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) from November 2 to 5, 2026, at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). SDPI Executive Director Abid Qaiyum Suleri announced the event during a media briefing, flanked by Uzma Tariq Haroon, Sajid Amin Javed, Shafqat Munir Ahmad, and Zainab Naeem.
Rethinking Development Amid Disruption
The overarching theme of the four-day conference is “Rethinking Development in an Age of Disruption.” This focus moves beyond retrospective assessments of Sustainable Development Goals to concentrate on securing resilience, managing risk, and sustaining human well-being amid geopolitical conflict and climate shocks.
Dr. Suleri stated that the platform aims to project Pakistan’s positive image, promote two-way learning, transparency, and accountability, and provide a "khuli kachehri-style forum" where ministers are questioned and policy proposals are discussed.
The Three Es and Cross-Cutting Themes
The programme is built around the “three Es” of Development—Economy, Environment, and Equity. Sessions will cover debt, domestic resource mobilization, blended finance, transboundary air and water security, the emerging “heat economy,” Individual Development Goals (IDGs), reconstruction in conflict-hit regions, and multilateralism for the Global South.
Technology topics including AI, digital trade, and data governance cut across the programme. The conference will also launch the Global South Solutions Without Borders (GS-SWB) Platform, which is intended to turn dialogue into pilot projects and policy toolkits.
Opening Plenary and Keynote Speakers
The conference begins on November 2 at 9:30 am with an opening plenary in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives. Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal is listed as chief guest, with Prof. Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, as guest of honour.
Prof. Dr Adil Najam, Dean Emeritus at Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University, is scheduled to deliver a keynote address titled “Strengthening Climate Action: Priorities and Proposals for Effective Implementation.”
Awards, Publications, and Reports
Two publications, *Sustainable Development in the Emerging World Dis|Order* and *Journal of Development Policy, Research & Practice (Vol. 10)*, will be launched alongside an OICCI report. The State of Environment Report will be launched in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme and Southern Voice.
The Expo’s Awards Plenary and Ribbon Cutting at 11:30 am will feature Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja as chief guest. Sustainability Awards will be presented in seven categories including climate adaptation, circular economy, digital innovation, clean energy, and research-to-impact.