The 2nd International Young Environmental Scientists (YES) Conference

About the 2^nd YES Conference

Southeast Asia is entering a new era of uncertainty. The region has experienced rapid economic growth over the past two decades, yet this progress is increasingly threatened by climate change, environmental degradation, and geopolitical uncertainty.  These challenges are particularly evident in the interconnected sectors of food, energy, and water. These systems underpin regional climate resilience, prosperity, public health, economic competitiveness, and social stability, yet they are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate-related and geopolitical shocks.

Across Southeast Asia, these pressures are especially significant. The region is home to fast-growing cities, climate-vulnerable coastlines, major agricultural economies, and a young population that will bear the consequences of today’s policy decisions (Lee et al. 2024). Yet despite their stake in the future, young researchers, innovators, and professionals remain underrepresented in strategic policy and investment discussions.  

To respond to this challenge, and building on the successful inaugural YES Conference in 2025, World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia organizes the 2^nd International Young Environmental Scientists (YES) Conference 2026, focused on this critical issue. The 2^nd YES Conference will convene young scientists, policymakers, development institutions, private-sector leaders, universities, civil society organizations, and investors from across the region. The 2^nd YES Conference also proposes initiatives beyond the event, to bridge science and policy, connect innovation with finance, and transform youth potential into actionable partnerships and networks.  

Conference Themes

Main theme:  

“Advancing the Food–Energy–Water Nexus for Climate Resilience in Southeast Asia”  

Sub-themes:  
This conference will welcome research that answers the overarching question of  

• How can societies ensure food and water security, transition to clean energy, build resilient cities, and develop robust green and blue economies amidst climate disruption, while conserving biodiversity, advancing equity, securing sustainable financing, and promoting shared prosperity?
• In particular, how can we improve current policy and practices through research and innovation under the following sub-themes: 

Call for Abstract

We invite early-career researchers, young professionals, and students from across disciplines to submit abstracts for presentations. The target group of this conference presenters is early-career or emerging scientists less than 35 years old, including students, professionals, activists, and young change-makers from all environmental-related fields. Both conceptual and empirical research are welcome, including policy analysis, modelling studies, review, case studies, and practice-based reflections.

We invite you to submit an extended abstract of 250 to 500 words, clearly outlining:

• research purpose,  
• approach,  
• key findings, and  
• relevance of their work to the conference main theme or sub-themes.  

Calls for papers for the YES Conference are open from 21 September 2026 to 11 October 2026, with no extension for the submission period.

A review panel will evaluate the abstracts and decide which submissions to accept. The panel will also decide whether each accepted submission will be an oral or a poster presentation. Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to present their work as either an oral or poster presentation. Accepted abstracts will be compiled into an official Book of Abstracts, which will be shared at the event.  

All submissions are subject to plagiarism and Generative AI use checks. The core content of your abstract must be original, reflecting your own analysis, interpretation, insights, and ideas. Authors should not list AI tools as an author or co-author. Authorship implies responsibilities and work that can be attributed to and performed by humans, although the basic use of AI technology solely for grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks is considered acceptable.

If you encounter technical issues with the online form, alternatively you can email your submission to: [email protected] 

Please find the detailed abstract submission guidance and submission form at the following link:

Call for Abstract | Submission Form

 Abstract Guidance

Abstract Template

Conference Agenda

Conference Dates & Venue 

The 2^nd YES Conference will be held on:  
Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday, 8-9 December 2026  
Venue: Jakarta, Indonesia 

Conference Indicative Agenda 

Over two days, YES 2026 will combine various program and agendas as an interesting platform for young researchers to connect and leverage their capacity in research through:

1. Plenary discussions: Inspirational Talk & Talkshow
2. Parallel panels on Young Scientists Oral Presentations & Workshops
3. Poster presentations & “Voices from the Field” Photo booth
4. Innovation exhibitions

Plenary Sessions: Inspirational Talk & Talkshow

The Plenary Sessions will serve as the opening and anchoring forum of the conference, featuring high-level speakers from WRI, global thought leaders, policymakers, and representatives from civil society and the private sector. These sessions will set the tone of the conference by addressing the overarching theme “Advancing the Food-Energy-Water Nexus for Climate Resilience in Southeast Asia” and the role of young scientists, exploring strategic directions in environmental research, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. The plenary aims to inspire, provoke thought, and establish common ground for all participants before more focused discussions begin. 

Parallel panels on Young Scientists Oral Presentations & Workshops 

The Parallel Panels are the core of scientific exchange at the conference. Participants selected from the call for abstracts will present their research and ideas in thematic panels aligned with the conference’s sub-themes mentioned earlier. Each panel will include accepted Young Scientists presenters and will be moderated by experts from research institutions or relevant sectors. Sessions are designed to foster critical discussion, highlight innovative practices, and surface actionable insights that can inform future programs or policy directions. 

Poster Presentations & “Voices from the Field” Photo booth 

This program provides an additional space for researchers, particularly students and early-career professionals, to showcase their work in a more visual and interactive format. Posters will be displayed throughout the venue, allowing participants to engage with authors during dedicated poster sessions. This format encourages informal yet meaningful dialogue, peer-to-peer learning, and networking among participants from diverse backgrounds. 

Innovation Exhibition

The Innovation Exhibition provides showcasing opportunities for donors and young innovators across both days of the conference. It offers a physical space for sponsors and young innovators to present their products, connect with audiences, and reinforce their leadership position within their respective sectors. 

The full detailed agenda for the 2^nd YES Conference will be shared soon on this website. 

Beyond the Event: The 2^nd YES Conference Publications & Young Scientist Network

Young Scientists whose research was presented, both orally and as posters, are encouraged to continue disseminating through academic publications. The 2^nd YES Conference will open further submissions for a Paper Collection in the WRI Conference Proceedings. Authors of accepted contributions are invited to submit a full paper for the WRI Conference Proceedings after the 2^nd YES Conference has taken place.

The publication from the 1^st YES Conference can be accessed at the following links:

• Link publications 1^st Conference
• Press release 1^st YES Conference

Building on the success of the 1^st YES Conference, where more than a hundred young scientists gathered and connected, the 2^nd YES Conference will serve as a pivotal kickoff for the Young Scientist Network. This is a networking platform for young scientists across Southeast Asia to connect, learn, collaborate, and leverage their impact through meaningful research efforts. This network will serve as a pivotal platform for young scientists to connect with talented researchers and experts from the World Resources Institute across the globe. 

Important Dates 

*There will be no extension.

Ticketing & Accommodation

Abstract submission for the 2^nd YES Conference is free, but accepted presenters will be subject to tiered ticketing fees based on their self-reported category and the Committee’s assessment. All Conference presenters and participants will receive an e-certificate, a complimentary lunch and snacks, a seminar kit, and an electronic program and abstract book. 

*This ticketing fee will be requested only after the Reviewer Committee’s assessment and confirmation. An additional fee will also be requested if the accepted presenters are willing to publish their full paper in the WRI Conference Proceedings. 

Conference Participants Tickets

(will be added soon)

Payment System

(will be added soon)  

Accommodation

All participants, both local and international, are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and transportation. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the YES Conference committee. 

Organizing & Knowledge Partners

The 2^nd YES Conference is supported by distinguished experts from:

Contacts

If you have any inquiries regarding the 2^nd YES Conference, please contact [email protected]