From September 21 to 25, 2026, the city of Perth, Australia, will host the 13th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), a global event that brings together experts, educators, activists, and institutions from across the globe. This congress marks a pivotal moment to address pressing environmental challenges and foster transformative education that meets the urgent needs of our time. Mario Salomone, Secretary-General of WEEC, delivers a clear message in his official invitation: “Education is the most powerful tool to change the world in the way we envision.” With this call, Salomone encourages everyone to participate in an event that promises opportunities for dialogue, collective growth, and personal development.

WEEC 2026: toward a sustainable future for all

In his invitation, Salomone reflects: “Across the world, billions dream of peace, a secure and serene life, and the ability to fulfill fundamental needs such as health, education, cultural enrichment, protection from threats to human life, access to quality food, and living in welcoming, biodiverse environments.”

This shared vision lies at the heart of WEEC, a congress aimed at addressing the critical needs of a world increasingly fragile and vulnerable to growing social and environmental inequalities.

With heightened awareness of climate change and environmental crises, the congress seeks to promote education that goes beyond information-sharing to inspire profound societal and individual change. Salomone highlights the reality faced globally: “In both developed and disadvantaged countries, billions experience climate upheavals, alternating between extremes—floods and droughts, heatwaves and cold spells.”

The 13th WEEC will serve as a key platform to explore how education can become an essential ally in tackling these global challenges.

Environmental education: an anchor of hope

“Change is in our hands,” says Salomone, emphasizing the pivotal role of environmental education, which began to take shape in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Since then, it has played a critical role in guiding societies toward greater environmental responsibility, equipping generations with the skills and awareness needed to address future challenges.

Reflecting on the transformative power of education, Salomone explains: “Environmental education serves billions worldwide—those who live, work, study, and dream. It nurtures generations of determined dreamers, realists, and builders of desirable, achievable futures.”

The Perth congress aligns with this vision of hope and concrete action. Education, Salomone asserts, is not merely a tool to impart knowledge but an instrument of empowerment and change.

Addressing the challenge of educational access

Salomone also sheds light on a critical global issue: “Around the world, tens of thousands of universities and millions of primary and secondary school teachers are working to quench the thirst for learning among youth and adults. Yet hundreds of millions lack access to education or cannot benefit from adequate learning opportunities.”

The disparity in access to education remains one of the greatest challenges, particularly in an era defined by rapid technological and climatic changes. For education to be a universal right, accessible to all, we must ensure that every individual becomes an active participant in society and the environment.

In this context, Salomone underscores: “Learning is fundamental for becoming active agents in an era of increasingly rapid change.” The 13th WEEC seeks to tackle this challenge by exploring innovative solutions to enhance access to quality education, with a focus on sustainability and social equity.

A Congress for dialogue, inspiration, and growth

The WEEC is not merely an academic gathering; it is an opportunity for dialogue and exchange among diverse stakeholders dedicated to promoting education for sustainability. Salomone extends an open invitation: “To people and institutions alike, the World Congress will be a wonderful opportunity for exchange, inspiration, and encouragement, as well as personal and collective growth.”

This global dialogue aims to involve everyone, from experts and researchers to ordinary citizens, fostering a true transformation on a global scale. The congress will go beyond theoretical discussions to address practical needs and outline actionable steps for sustainable education and action. As Salomone puts it, the congress will provide “a chance to reflect on the state and evolution of learning required in today’s world.”

Each discussion, workshop, and presentation will contribute to building a new educational paradigm capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

“No Limits to Hope”: a vision for the future

A cornerstone of the 13th WEEC will be the presentation of the report “No Limits to Hope”, developed in collaboration with The Fifth Element and the Club of Rome. This report explores the educational changes needed to tackle global environmental challenges and foster boundless hope for the planet’s future.

“The hope that drives us knows no bounds,” encapsulates the essence of this document, which will take center stage at the Perth congress. Salomone invites everyone to commit to daily efforts toward “transformative learning” and to join in Australia to evaluate progress and set new goals: “Let’s work every day on transformative learning and meet in Australia to take stock,” he states.

Learn more: An international research project for a new educational paradigm: “No Limits to Hope”

13th World Environmental Education Congress: an unmissable event

The 13th World Environmental Education Congress is shaping up to be one of the most significant opportunities for reflection and commitment to the future of our planet. Salomone concludes his message with a heartfelt invitation to stay connected and prepare for a meeting that promises to pave the way for a fairer, more sustainable future for all: “See you soon. In the meantime, let’s stay in touch!”

For updates and to participate in this extraordinary event, visit the official website of the 13th World Environmental Education Congress: www.weec2026.org.