Global Sustainable Action Weekend 2026 - November 7 & 8

A two-day event of talks, interactive activities, and workshops.

QR code to apply to present during the Global Sustainable Action Weekend.

Now accepting presenter proposals!

Scan the QR code or click here to apply to table during the Kickoff Event on November 7 or present during the Global Sustainable Action Conference on November 8. Apply to present by October 4, 2026.

What is the Global Sustainable Action Weekend (GSAW)?

GSAW is comprised of an interactive Sustainability Weekend Kick-Off Event on November 7 and the Global Sustainable Action Conference on November 8.

The Global Sustainable Action: It Starts with Us Conference (GSA) is an annual on-campus event at University Park that aims to:

showcase how culture & sustainability are linked
deepen intercultural understanding and foster respect for diversity and difference
provide a platform that fosters the exchange of people, culture, ideas, and practices to raise global awareness
expand commitment to sustainable actions

The Global Sustainable Action: It Starts with Us Conference is open to everyone and provides a platform for the Penn State Community to express and share their passion for global awareness, research, sustainability, etc. with others.

General Registration is Now Open!

General Registration Information

General registration form will close on October 18 at 11:59 PM
Registration is open and free to all Penn State students, faculty, staff and community members
Students are encouraged to register early, as space may be limited for certain workshops, presentations, and excursions
Confirmation and event details will be sent to registered participants via email after completing the registration form

General registration QR code to attend the Global Sustainable Action Weekend.

Scan the QR code or click here to complete the general registration form.

Why Participate?

🌎 Connect Globally

Explore how sustainability challenges and solutions connect our local community to the world.

🌱 Learn Something New

Discover ideas, research, and practical approaches to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

🤝 Build Connections

Meet students, faculty, staff from various Penn State Campuses, and community members who are passionate about creating positive change.

💡 Share Your Ideas

Showcase your research, projects, experiences, and perspectives on sustainability.

📜 Earn a Certificate

Presenters and tablers can earn a Global Sustainable Action Certificate recognizing their participation and contribution to the event.

🛠️ Take Action

Turn learning into meaningful action and discover ways to make an impact on campus and beyond.

✨ Be Part of the Change

Join a community working together to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Students participating in a spinning wheel activity during last year's Sustainability Kickoff Event.

Photo of four student presenters participating in the Student Leader Panel from the Global Sustainable Action Conference in 2024.

Photo of Penn State Schuylkill Beekeeping Club's table at the Sustainability Kickoff Event from November 2026. The students from the club are talking to a student who is trying their honey lavender ice cream.

This photo shows a student leading a tour of the campus greenhouses during the Global Sustainable Action conference in 2023.

Faculty & Staff Workshop

This year, we are pleased to offer a workshop for faculty and staff during the Global Sustainable Action Conference. For more information on the faculty workshop, click here.

Kickoff Event Venue

Hyatt Place State College

219 W Beaver Ave

State College, PA 16801

This year's Sustainable Action Weekend Kickoff Event will be hosted in the Ballroom at the Hyatt Place State College on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

A photo of the exterior of the Hyatt Place hotel in downtown State College.

An interior photo of the Hyatt Ballroom.

Conference Venue

Business Building

475 Shortlidge Rd

University Park, PA 16802

This year's Global Sustainable Action Conference will be hosted in the Business Building Atrium at the Penn State University Park campus. Check-in and conference sessions will be located on the first floor of the Business Building on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

This is a photo of the outside of the Business Building located at University Park.

This image shows a photo of the Business Building Atrium.

Let’s shape a world that thrives—for People, Planet, Prosperity, Partnerships, and Peace.

Questions? Please contact the Global Engagement team at globalengagement@psu.edu

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