A pivotal gathering aimed at addressing urgent environmental and social challenges is set to take place in Paris from March 30 to April 1, 2026. The ChangeNOW summit will welcome an array of influential figures, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, all committed to forging sustainable solutions for a struggling planet. With the alarming reality that seven out of nine planetary boundaries have already been breached, this year’s summit will use a scientific framework to inform discussions and drive action.
A Call to Action
Santiago Lefebvre, the founder and CEO of ChangeNOW, succinctly encapsulated the imperative for action: “In a world shaped by planetary limits, the question is not whether to act, but how.” This year, ChangeNOW will bring together diverse stakeholders — from business leaders to civil society representatives — to explore tangible actions that can be taken to ensure societies operate within Earth’s ecological limits while preserving freedoms and sovereignty.
The summit aims to spotlight innovative, achievable resolutions to the planet’s pressing challenges, with 36 international delegations contributing to discussions on critical topics such as European sovereignty and climate governance.
What to Expect from ChangeNOW 2026
The ChangeNOW summit, often touted as the largest global event focused on environmental solutions, will unfold at the historic Grand Palais in Paris, a symbolic venue reflecting the city’s role in the 2015 Paris Agreement. This year’s event is anticipated to attract participants from 140 countries, with a turnout of approximately 40,000 attendees, including representatives from 10,000 companies, 1,200 investors, and 1,000 media professionals.
Organised into thematic zones addressing diverse issues such as food, health, and biodiversity, the summit will feature over 1,000 sustainable solutions selected for their robust potential for positive impact. The agenda will also include more than 50 workshops, a series of engaging talks from global leaders, and numerous networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration among participants.
ChangeNOW has previously facilitated significant partnerships, such as the collaboration between Slovenian startup PlanetCare and the French Ministry of Ecological and Social Transition, aimed at tackling plastic microfibre pollution. Such success stories highlight the summit’s role as a catalyst for impactful change.
Star-Studded Line-Up of Speakers
The summit will showcase over 500 distinguished speakers, including scientists, activists, and renowned public figures. Among the notable participants is Laurent Fabius, President of COP21, who will address the theme of information and governance. Representatives from the United Nations, including Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming and IPCC Vice-Chair Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, will also lend their voices to the discourse.
Prominent figures such as Johan Rockström, the architect of the planetary boundaries framework, and economist Kate Raworth, founder of the Doughnut Economics Action Lab, are also on the agenda. In an intriguing twist, actor Matt Damon will participate virtually to discuss water and sanitation, leveraging his experience with WaterEquity and Water.org.
The summit promises a rich diversity of topics, with discussions ranging from ‘Making Nature Protection Sexy’ to ‘How to Organise Collective Action’, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted climate crisis.
Public Participation and Opportunities
ChangeNOW 2026 will not only be a hub for professionals; it will also open its doors to the general public on April 1, providing opportunities to engage with exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions. Visitors can attend conferences, explore artistic displays, and even participate in the Families for Change programme, which encourages youth involvement in climate action.
Additionally, the Impact Job Fair on the same day will connect job seekers with over 500 recruiters offering more than 600 job opportunities, along with training programs for those seeking meaningful career paths.
For those interested in contributing to a sustainable future, tickets for ChangeNOW 2026 are available now.
Why it Matters
The ChangeNOW summit stands as a critical platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the face of a climate crisis that threatens the very fabric of life on Earth. By uniting leaders from various sectors, the event aims to generate actionable solutions that can be implemented on a global scale. As the world grapples with unprecedented environmental challenges, the outcomes of this summit could be pivotal in steering humanity towards a more sustainable and equitable future. The stakes have never been higher, and collective action is no longer an option but a necessity.
