GTP 2026: The Sunway Centre for Planetary Health Hosts Landmark Global Tipping Points Conference 2026 at Sunway University
The Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH) successfully hosted the Global Tipping Points Conference 2026 (GTP 2026) at Sunway University, marking the historic first time this premier global gathering was held in Asia.
Co-chaired by Professor Dr Jemilah Mahmood (Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University), Professor Tim Lenton (Founding Director, Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter), and Professor Johan Rockström (Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research), GTP 2026 bridged cutting-edge scientific research with actionable strategies across governance, finance, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The landmark conference culminated in three primary deliverables designed to maintain regional and global momentum:
Adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Tipping Points Declaration: Endorsed by 521 delegates across 37 countries, this consensus declaration urges leaders in government, business, academia, finance, healthcare, faith communities, and civil society to leverage their spheres of influence to spark systemic positive shifts for a sustainable, fair, and resilient future.
Development of the Inaugural Asia Tipping Points Report (Targeted for 2028): A groundbreaking commitment to compile regional evidence, scientific data, and real-world case studies from across Asia to pinpoint key ecological and societal levers across climate, health, biodiversity, agriculture, and sustainable development.
Global Alignment for GTP 2027: Regional findings and strategic priorities generated during GTP 2026 at Sunway University will shape the framework for the upcoming Global Tipping Points 2027, ensuring Asian perspectives remain central to international climate discourse.
Held at the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC), the conference was officiated by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak, who highlighted the urgency of uniting science, public policy, and community action to address global environmental challenges through shared stewardship for future generations.
“We are facing what we call a planetary crisis. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are affecting communities everywhere. 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 Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Co-Chair of GTP 2026 and Executive Director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University
“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.”
— Professor Tim Lenton, Co-Chair of GTP 2026 and Director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter
A major event highlight hosted at the venue was the premiere of How to Live on Earth, an inspiring documentary produced by Open Planet Studios in collaboration with the Villars Institute Foundation and Silvania. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, the film explores how society can thrive in harmony with natural ecosystems.
The closing proceedings included a formal symbolic handover to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) as the host organisation steering the movement toward the 2027 conference.
“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.”
— Professor Dato' Elizabeth Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Education Group
The legacy of GTP 2026 lives on through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration and the upcoming Asia Tipping Points Report, marking a decisive step forward for positive climate action.
