ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Addressing global climate change, promoting energy transition and green development, fostering sustainable use of natural resources, and achieving harmony between humanity and nature have become an international consensus. The high-quality development of green and low-carbon cities is a necessary response to the people's aspirations for a better life.


The 2026 International Conference on Natural Resources and Planning will be held at The University of Hong Kong in March 2026, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Faculty of Architecture and the 45th anniversary of the Department of Urban Planning and Design at HKU.


This conference aims to provide an interactive platform for experts and scholars from a wide range of disciplines, including natural resource management, urban transformation and development, and architectural and cultural heritage conservation, to contribute to a shared future for humanity and strive for a harmonious and sustainable relationship between society and nature.

CONFERENCE TOPICS

Natural Resources, Urban Future, and Architectural Heritage


We invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:


General Direction Issues Key Contents Sub-Topics
Resource Governance and Sustainable Future Explore the governance models, practices, and cutting-edge challenges of resource management. S1. Energy Transition and Critical Minerals
S2. Spatiotemporal Intelligence and Digital Watershed
S3. Pattern and Driving Mechanism of Land Resource Change
S4. Grassland Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Utilization
S5. Food System Transformation and Resource Efficiency
S6. Material Cycle and Carbon Neutrality
S7. Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration of Resource and Environment
S8. Climate Resilience and Resource and Environmental Governance
S9. Good Governance and Rule of Law of Natural Resources
S10. Remote Sensing of Resources and Environment and Spatial Intelligence Technology
Technological Empowerment and Urban Development Focusing on how new technologies drive cities to become more resilient, intelligent, and of higher quality. S11. Remote Sensing, GIS Technologies, and Future Cities
S12. Resilient Cities and Spatial Governance
S13. Innovations in Urban and Regional Planning
S14. Human Settlements and High-Quality Development
S15. Urban Regeneration and Vibrant Cities
Architectural Heritage and Spatial Creation Research on how to inherit cultural heritage and shape space through architectural design, cultural revitalization, and rural practices. S16. Architectural Character and Urban Design
S17. Industrial Revitalization and Historic Districts
S18. Cultural-Tourism Integration and Rural Revitalization
S19. Public Art and Cultural Cities
Youth Scientists Encourage young scientists to engage in original innovation to adapt to global climate change and digital transformation. S20. Resource Sustainability and Global Youth Innovation

CONFERENCE ACADEMIC COMMITTEE

Chairpersons:


Mohammad Qasim Jan: Foreign Member of the CAS, Former President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Honorary President of iAONR


Ye Kaian: Member of the CAS, Professor of the Faculty of Architecture, HKU


Sommad Pholsena: Vice President of the National Assembly of Laos, Chairman of the Lao Peace and Solidarity Committee, Honorary President of iAONR


Vice Chairpersons:


Michael Batty: Foreign Member of the CAS Fellow of the British Academy, Professor of University College London, Chairman of CASA) Fellow of the Royal Society


Gong Peng: Vice-President of HKU



CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

March 27 (Friday) Pre-Conference Inspection and Exchange
Guest Panel Discussion and Exchange Session
March 28 (Saturday) AM PM
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Speeches Parallel Sessions, Symposia and Roundtable Discussions
March 29 (Sunday) AM PM
Parallel Sessions, Parallel Forums Academic Lectures & Dialogue Activities with Masters
Closing Ceremony

CALL FOR PAPERS

1. We sincerely invite researchers, designers, and administrators in fields such as natural resources, ecology, environment, GIS, urban and regional planning, and architectural design from all over the world to register for the conference.


2. All participants wishing to give a presentation must submit an abstract based on the conference topics. If not presenting, only registration information is required.


3. The conference will feature a "Young Scholar Award". Requirements are as follows:


(1) Submissions must be original, unpublished full papers (3000-4000 words) with an abstract (max 1000 words, including objectives, methods, results, and conclusions).


(2) Submissions must include the author's name, title, affiliation, research field, contact address, postal code, phone number, and E-mail.


(3) A panel of experts will review submissions and select First, Second, and Third Prizes, and Excellence Awards. Certificates will be presented at the conference.


(4) A selection of high-quality papers will be recommended for publication in international academic journals.


(5) Submit papers and abstracts online or via email: Website: www.iaonr.org/icnrp2026-callforpapers ; Email: icnrp2026@126.com .


(6) Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 December 2025.


(7) Full Paper Submission (Young Scholar): 30 January 2026.

CONFERENCE EXHIBITION

During the conference, an "Architecture · Resources · Future" exhibition will be held, featuring two main sections:


1. HKU Faculty of Architecture Achievement Exhibition: Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Faculty and the 45th anniversary of the Department of Urban Planning and Design.


2. International Award-Winning Design Exhibition: Including works from the YUANYE AWARDS, IABP Awards, and outstanding designer showcases.


3. Institutions and designers interested in participating in the international exhibition should contact the YUANYE AWARDS Urban Design Centre directly.
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FIELD TOURS & TECHNICAL EXCHANGE

The conference will organize optional field tours to classic Hong Kong projects and technical exchange activities with local design firms, designers, and professional associations.


These tours require separate registration and payment (details forthcoming), organized by the YUANYE AWARDS Urban Design Centre. Please submit your interest by January 25, 2026.

REGISTRATION & TOURS

Registration Fee Categories Conference Registration Fees Preferential Terms
Registration Fee Categories Representatives from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (RMB Yuan)） International Representatives (US Dollars) 1.A 10% discount is offered to those who make the payment before December 30, 2025.
2.A 10% discount is available for group registration of 3 or more participants.
3.Winners of the conference's Outstanding Paper Award are eligible for a 10% discount.
Member Representatives Regular Members 2000 280
Directors & Standing Directors 1600 220
Student Members 1000 150
Non-Member Representatives Conference Participants 2800 390
Current Students 1500 2100
Notes
The conference registration fee includes coffee breaks and conference materials.
Member representatives refer to members of iAONR, YUANYE AWARDS, and co-organizers such as GDA.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodation, and meals during the conference.
The registration fee does not cover the costs of the welcome dinner and on-site inspection activities.


Membership Application To join the International Association of Natural Resources (iAONR), please visit www.iAONR.org to apply and receive your electronic membership ID. Email: info@iaonr.org.


Fee Payment


1. International Representatives: Fees are collected by iAONR. Please use bank transfer (T/T) with the remark "Annual Meeting + Name + Affiliation". Online payment (TBD).Must Provide Details: Full Name, Invoice Unit, Session Number, Email address.
Bank Account Information


2. Chinese Representatives (Mainland, HK, Macao, Taiwan): Fees are collected by YUANYE AWARDS Urban Design Centre. Please use bank transfer (T/T) with the remark "Annual Meeting + Name + Affiliation". Online payment (TBD).Must Provide Details: Full Name, Invoice Unit, Session Number, Email address.
Bank Account Information


Registration Method


1. Register individually via the official website (www.iAONR.org) or the (YUANYE AWARDS (YUANYEAWARDS) WeChat account. Groups (3+) can register via the website.


2. Please specify if you require an electronic invoice. It will be sent after payment is received. No invoices will be processed after March 25, 2026. Please ensure your information is correct (2 changes allowed).


3. For cancellations, please apply through the registration system by 24:00 on March 25. Full refunds will be processed after the conference (within 30 working days). No refunds for cancellations after this deadline.


4. Accommodation and airport transfers are not provided. The organizing committee will provide a list of nearby hotels for reference.

ORGANIZING INSTITUTION

Organizers


International Association of Natural Resources (iAONR) / Urban Systems Institute (USI), HKU / Department of Urban Planning and Design (DUPAD), HKU


Joint Organizers


Global Designers Association / Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), CAS / YUANYE AWARDS Committee


Co-organizers


Faculty of Architecture, HKU / Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, HKU / YUANYE AWARDS Urban Design Centre


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Welcome to

The University of Hong Kong

The conference will be held at the beautiful campus of The University of Hong Kong, one of Asia's top research universities, renowned for its academic excellence and scenic environment. Located in the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island, the campus overlooks the Victoria Harbour and is easily accessible with excellent surrounding facilities.


Address: The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR


We look forward to welcoming participants to experience Hong Kong's unique charm in addition to the academic exchanges.


CONTACT INFOMATION

YUANYE AWARDS Urban Design Centre


  • Contact: Wei SHEN, Chong ZHANG


  • Phone: +86-10-88360800, 88361171, 88360497


  • Registration: yyb@chla.com.cn


  • Submissions: iabp@yuanyeawards.com


  • Tours: office@yuanyeawards.com
iAONR Secretariat


  • Contact: Anny Boxi SHEN


  • Phone: +1-672-558-9624


  • Email: info@iaonr.org
DUPAD, Faculty of Architecture, HKU


  • Contact: Churan HUANG


  • Phone: +852-3917-1789


  • Email: churan@hku.hk