TOKYO, May 29 (WSH) — The 6th World Environment Summit will be held on June 24–25, 2026, at the International Conference Room and Multi-purpose Hall of the House of Representatives of Japan in Tokyo, bringing together international organizations, policymakers, business leaders, academics and civil society representatives to address pressing global challenges ranging from environmental protection and sustainable development to peace and international cooperation.
Organizers announced that this year’s summit will be jointly convened by the World Environment Summit and DEVNET International, marking a significant step in expanding the forum’s international reach and influence. The event is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration at a time when the world faces growing environmental pressures, geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, economic uncertainty and social fragmentation.
Partnership with DEVNET International
A major development for the 2026 Summit is its partnership with DEVNET International, an international non-governmental organization holding General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
According to organizers, DEVNET International has worked for more than three decades with the United Nations, the European Commission and numerous international institutions to promote social and economic development across approximately 200 countries and territories. The organization relocated its headquarters from Rome to Tokyo in 2019 under the leadership of Fumiyasu Akegawa, Chairman and CEO of DEVNET International.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen the Summit’s global engagement and facilitate broader participation from international stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable development and peace.
Expanding an International Platform
Launched in February 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Environment Summit was established to foster international dialogue at a time when global connections were severely disrupted.
Since its inception, the Summit has evolved into a prominent Japan-based platform supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organizers report that previous events have attracted participants and online viewers from more than 30 countries, generating approximately 170,000 cumulative views through digital platforms.
The fifth World Environment Summit, held in Tokyo in February 2025, brought together ambassadors, lawmakers, researchers and business leaders, drawing approximately 120 invited participants and filling the venue to capacity.
Joint Statement on Peace and the Environment
Organizers revealed that preparations are underway for a joint international statement on peace and protection of the global environment to be issued during the Summit.
The statement is expected to reflect contributions from international organizations, experts, business leaders and cultural figures, offering recommendations for addressing global challenges from a civil society perspective.
“The world today faces not only an environmental crisis, but also a crisis of peace,” organizers said in a statement. “The Summit seeks to promote dialogue capable of building a shared future and to send a message of solidarity, cooperation and hope to the international community.”
Global Media Outreach
Summit organizers also announced plans for international dissemination of Summit-related information through IPS (Inter Press Service) and Other News, with support from Dr. Roberto Savio, founder of DEVNET and co-founder of IPS, as well as Fumiyasu Akegawa.
IPS is internationally recognized for its coverage of development, human rights and global governance issues, while Other News serves as a non-profit platform providing analysis and information on global affairs for international civil servants, researchers and social advocates.
Organizers describe the Summit as more than an environmental conference, emphasizing its role as a multidisciplinary forum examining the links among peace, economic development, education, culture, technology and community sustainability.
Additional details regarding keynote speakers, panel discussions and program content are expected to be announced in a second press release in the coming weeks.
The Summit will be jointly chaired by Masaaki Hirai, Chair of the World Environment Summit, and Fumiyasu Akegawa, World President of DEVNET International.
