KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Tipping Points Conference 2026 (GTP 2026) was recently held at Sunway University, marking the first time the landmark global gathering was hosted in Asia. Centred on the theme "From Understanding to Imagination to Action: Crossing Thresholds for a Thriving Planet", the conference brought together more than 500 participants from 37 countries, including scientists, policymakers, business leaders, health professionals, faith leaders, investors, communicators and civil society representatives to explore how positive tipping points can accelerate solutions for people and the planet.
The Global Tipping Points Conference 2026 (GTP 2026) was recently held at Sunway University, marking the first time the landmark global gathering was hosted in Asia.
Co-chaired by the Professor Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH) at Sunway University, Professor Tim Lenton, Founding Director, Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter, and Professor Johan Rockström, Director, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), GTP 2026 focused on translating scientific understanding into practical action through policy, investment, innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
The conference culminated in three key outcomes that will help carry its momentum into the years ahead:
- The adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Tipping Points Declaration, endorsed by 521 participants from 37 countries. The declaration calls on governments, businesses, researchers, investors, health professionals, faith communities, communicators and civil society leaders to accelerate action within their respective spheres of influence and help trigger positive tipping points that support a thriving, equitable and resilient future.
- A commitment to develop the first Asia Tipping Points Report, targeted for release in 2028. The report will bring together regional evidence, research and practical examples from across Asia to better understand tipping points shaping the region and identify opportunities for transformative action across climate, health, nature, food systems and development.
- The third outcome was a collective contribution towards the future direction of the Global Tipping Points movement. Insights, recommendations and regional perspectives generated during GTP 2026 will inform preparations for the next Global Tipping Points 2027, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Asia continue to shape the global agenda.
The conference was officiated by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak, who emphasised the importance of bridging science, policy and public action to address planetary challenges. He highlighted the need for cross sector and international collaboration, guided by shared responsibility and a commitment to future generations, to build a thriving future.
"We are facing what we call a planetary crisis. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are affecting communities everywhere," said Professor Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Co-Chair of GTP 2026 and Executive Director of SCPH.
"The conference is important in studying societal tipping points alongside scientific and physical changes to better understand how communities and institutions can drive positive change." Professor Tim Lenton, Co-Chair of GTP 2026 and Director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter.
"Having Global Tipping Points 2026 in Asia and in Malaysia is important because we are living through multiple crises and need to accelerate positive change. We believe many of the ideas, innovations and leadership needed to shape a wellbeing-centred future will come from Asia," he said.
Another highlight of the conference was the premiere of How to Live on Earth, a visionary feature documentary produced by Open Planet Studios, in association with Villars Institute Foundation and Silvania. Presented by Benedict Cumberbatch, the film explores how humanity can build a safe and thriving future by working with nature, not against it.
During the closing ceremony, conference organisers also conducted a symbolic handover to PIK, recognising its leadership role in carrying the Global Tipping Points movement forward and building momentum towards the next conference.
In her closing remarks, Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Education Group, underscored the importance of collective action. "The conversations we have had this week reaffirm that knowledge alone is not enough. Progress happens when people from different sectors, disciplines and communities work together to turn ideas into action. The future we want is still within our reach, but only if we choose to build it together."
As the first Global Tipping Points Conference held in Asia, GTP 2026 has laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and action beyond the conference. Through the Kuala Lumpur Tipping Points Declaration, the first Asia Tipping Points Report and preparations for GTP 2027, it has strengthened regional contributions to the global movement towards a sustainable future for people and planet.
