Surabaya, June 18, 2026 — As sustainability challenges become increasingly complex and technological innovation continues to reshape industries worldwide, the Asia-Pacific Sustainable Business and Innovation Forum (ASBIF) 2026 will bring together leading academics, industry practitioners, policymakers, and innovators to explore the future of sustainable development in the era of artificial intelligence.

Scheduled to take place on 22–23 June 2026 at the Airlangga Sharia & Entrepreneurship Education Center (ASEEC) Tower, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, the forum is organized by the Center for Environmental, Social, and Governance Studies (CESGS), Universitas Airlangga, in partnership with the Research Centre for ESG (CESG), The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.

A New Chapter for a Growing International Forum 

ASBIF 2026 marks the evolution of a series of international sustainability conferences held consistently since 2024. Building on previous successful events, the forum adopts a broader and more forward-looking identity to reflect the growing importance of innovation, technology, and cross-sector collaboration in advancing sustainability goals.

Over the past two years, CESGS has played a key role in facilitating international dialogue on ESG and sustainable development. In July 2024, CESGS collaborated with Universitas Airlangga, the International ESG Association (IESGA), and Korea University to host the 7th Global Conference: ESG Management & Sustainability in Surabaya. Later that year, CESGS partnered with CESG of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong to organize the 2nd Asia Sustainability and ESG Summit in Bali.

As part of this transformation, the forum’s secretariat has officially transitioned to CESGS at Universitas Airlangga. The longstanding partnership with CESG remains a cornerstone of the initiative, reinforcing the forum’s commitment to fostering regional and international collaboration.

Theme: The Nexus of Business Sustainability, Innovation, and AI 

The theme of ASBIF 2026, “The Nexus of Business Sustainability, Innovation, and AI,”reflects the increasing convergence of sustainability strategies, technological advancement, and business transformation.

The forum will examine how organizations can leverage innovation and artificial intelligence to create long-term value while addressing environmental, social, and governance challenges. It will also provide a platform for meaningful dialogue on the opportunities and risks emerging from rapid technological change and evolving sustainability expectations.

Bringing Together Influential Voices 

ASBIF 2026 will bring together prominent speakers from government, academia, and industry to discuss sustainability, innovation, public policy, and emerging technologies. Featured speakers include Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Indonesia; Prof. Iman Harymawan, Professor of Sustainability Accounting and Governance and CEO of CESGS Universitas Airlangga; and Prof. Louis Cheng, Dr S H Ho Professor of Banking and Finance and Director of the Research Centre for ESG at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. Their insights are expected to provide participants with valuable perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the future of sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Forum Highlights 

Held over two days, the forum will feature keynote sessions, paper presentations, expert discussions, the ESG Awards, and a networking dinner. The program is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, connect people across disciplines, and open opportunities for future collaboration. ASBIF 2026 is open to academics, researchers, students, business professionals, policymakers, and anyone with an interest in sustainability and innovation.