The Global Development Conference 2026 brings together researchers, innovators, policymakers, development practitioners and technical experts to co-create science, technology and innovation-driven solutions to global development challenges.
At the heart of the conference are the Co-Creation Labs, where Global South innovators will collaborate with international partners to develop scalable solutions. This edition also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Global Development Awards Competition (GDAC), recognising a legacy of supporting locally led research and innovation across the Global South.
GDC 2026 will be organised in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Japan, the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), World Bank Group Tokyo Development Learning Center, and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF).
Collaborative sessions where Global South innovators and international experts co-create scalable solutions to real-world development challenges.
Celebrating 25 years of supporting locally led research and development innovation, alongside the 2026 GDAC Finals showcasing outstanding research and innovative development projects advancing science, technology and innovation for peace and human security.
High-level discussions exploring how partnerships, financing and international cooperation can scale locally led science, technology and innovation for development.
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