Zhoushanof Zhejiang, China, 7–8 November 2026
Background
Islands, as distinctive geographic units bridging land and sea, function as micro-laboratories for the pluralistic evolution of human civilization and as critical arenas where the tension between globalization and local particularities is vividly enacted. At present, islands across the globe face a spectrum of unprecedented challenges.
The World Islands Forum (WIF) seeks to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries—encompassing history, anthropology, economics, ecology, cultural heritage studies, lawand so on—to create an interdisciplinary dialogue platform. It aims to advance a dual understanding of island sustainability that bridges local knowledge and global consensus, thereby offering governance insights for sustainable island development.
Objectives
The WIF aims to:
•Convene scholars, researchers, and practitioners to share cutting-edge knowledge, exchange interdisciplinary perspectives, and forge enduring collaborations in island studies and sustainable development.
•Deliberate on key themes including the preservation and adaptive utilization of island cultural heritage, sea-level rise and climate governance, sustainable island development, and the role of islands in cross-civilizational dialogue.
•Advance interdisciplinary research and translate findings into actionable strategies to inform policy-making and foster sustainable island development.
Date and Venue
•Date: 7–8 November 2026
•The Forum will be held at Grand Barony Hotel Zhoushan, located in 29 Haiyu Ave, Dinghai District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China, 316021.
Expected Outputs
•Establish an international academic community through the World Island Research Network.
•Publish theislandreport to strengthen scholarly influence and visibility.
•Develop actionable policy recommendations for island sustainability and governance.
Participants
Scholars and practitioners specializing in island studies and sustainability are invited to participate in the Forum.
Registration
Individuals who are nominated or self-nominated and are committed to contributing to the collective effort and shared goals are encouraged to complete the application form as early as possible, preferably before 6 August 2026.
Please complete the offline registration form and email it to worldislandforum@163.com with the subject line:Registration Form –WIF
Please note thatselection will be based primarily on the applicant’s CV, his/her work experience, and previous engagement with the Forum on Islands or other related international research programmes.
Updated information about the forum will be made available in due course through the official channels of the organizing committee.
Logistic Information for International Travelers
1. Entry Point and Arrival
International participants are advised to arrive in China via one of the following major international airports:
Airport Code:SHA
Distance to Zhoushan:~210 km
Estimated Travel Time by Road:4 hours, depending on traffic conditions
•Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Airport Code:PVG
Distance to Zhoushan:~230 km
Estimated Travel Time by Road:5 hours, depending on traffic conditions
Airport pick-up services will be arranged by the organizing committee. We recommend arriving no later than 6 November 2026 to allow sufficient time for rest and local travel.
2. Zhoushan
Zhoushan is an archipelagic city in Zhejiang Province, China, comprising numerous islands in the East China Sea. Renowned for its rich maritime heritage and deep-rooted fishing traditions, the city has historically functioned as a vital maritime gateway in eastern China. Its distinctive coastal landscapes and island communities support a growing marine economy, while the surrounding waters remain integral to fishing practices, marine conservation efforts, and the sustenance of island livelihoods.
3. Return Travel and Departure
International participants will be transferred from Zhoushan to Shanghai International Airport on 9 November 2026, according to their individual flight schedules.
