The Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WtERT®) is proud to announce that Prof. Jianhua Yan, Chairman of WtERT, participated in the 17th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026, held from June 23 to 25, 2026, in Dalian, China.

Known as the “Summer Davos,” the annual meeting brought together more than 1,700 leaders from over 90 countries and regions, including government officials, international organizations, academic institutions, and global enterprises. Under the theme “Scaling Innovation,” the forum focused on accelerating the transformation of technological innovation into practical solutions addressing global economic, environmental, and social challenges.

Promoting Global Cooperation for Low-Carbon Transformation

During the forum, Prof. Yan was invited to participate in high-level discussions including “Working with Global Partners to Promote Low-Carbon Transformation” and “Artificial Intelligence and Future Growth.”

Bringing together representatives from governments, universities, international organizations, and industry, these sessions explored the policies, technological pathways, and future development directions needed to accelerate sustainable growth.

Prof. Yan shared his perspectives on clean energy development, innovation-driven transformation, and the importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers in advancing practical solutions for global sustainability challenges.

The discussions included participation from distinguished global leaders, including China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin and World Economic Forum Managing Director Noam Boussidan, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change and accelerating technological innovation.

Strengthening Collaboration in Clean Energy Innovation

During the meeting, Prof. Yan also met with Roberto Bocca, Director of the Energy and Materials Center of the World Economic Forum, as well as representatives from relevant enterprises.

The discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in the clean energy sector, exploring pathways to accelerate innovation, strengthen technology cooperation, and support the global transition toward sustainable energy systems.

Advancing Waste-to-Energy Solutions for a Low-Carbon Future

As Chairman of WtERT, Prof. Yan’s participation reflects the growing importance of science-based solutions in achieving global climate objectives.

WtERT promotes the development and deployment of advanced Waste-to-Energy technologies that:

• Recover renewable energy and valuable materials from residual non-recyclable waste;
• Reduce methane emissions by diverting waste away from landfills;
• Support circular economy strategies and sustainable resource management;
• Provide science-based knowledge to governments, industries, and international organizations.

Co-Leaded by Earth Engineering Center at Columbia and Zhejiang University, WtERT serves as a global academic and research network connecting universities, researchers, technology providers, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing sustainable waste management and resource recovery.

Participation in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026 further reinforces WtERT’s commitment to international collaboration and innovation, bringing together expertise in energy, technology, and environmental solutions to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

WtERT will continue working with global partners to accelerate the transition toward a circular, resilient, and low-carbon future.