Newsletter April 2026

Dear Fellows,

At a time when humanity faces converging crises — climate disruption, conflict, social fragmentation, and rapid technological change —the need for new forms of collaboration has never been greater. WAAS was founded on the conviction that knowledge alone is not enough; wisdom emerges when science, ethics, culture, and human creativity are brought into dialogue. In this spirit, we are witnessing a renewed recognition that the arts are not peripheral to global problem-solving, but central to shaping the world we want.

The launch of the Planetary Arts Movement – X-ART in London this month represents an important step in that direction. By bringing together artists, scientists, policymakers, and young leaders from diverse regions and traditions, this initiative demonstrates how cultural expression can serve as a powerful force for planetary stewardship, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. The extraordinary participation of artists—including children whose works speak with honesty and hope—reminds us that imagination and creative thought is one of humanity’s most strategic resources.

This newsletter reflects the breadth of engagement across our global community: from advancing dialogue on systemic risks and the polycrisis, to preparing for major international convenings on science, sustainability, and human security. Together, these efforts affirm a simple but urgent truth: the future we seek will be shaped not only by what we know, but by what we create — together.

Sincerely,

Garry Jacobs

President, WAAS

Event Reportback

Planetary Arts Movement X-Art Launches in London

From 10-11 April 2026, WAAS, in collaboration with The War on Climate (TWOC), Artistic PNK, The Bridge, and One Young World, hosted the live launch of The Planetary Arts Movement – X-ART at the Royal Over-Seas League in London.

Framed under the theme “The World We Want – Art for Planet and Peace”, the event marked the beginning of a vibrant global cultural movement that positions the arts as a strategic and transformative force to address today’s most pressing opportunities for change: climate action, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.

The launch built on an international online convening held earlier in 2026 and brought together artists, policymakers, scientists, and cultural leaders to activate a shared vision. The goal was to harness art not only as an expression but also as a powerful catalyst for planetary transformation.

An exhibition showcased over 100 artists from around the world, including remarkable children’s works from Lebanon, Uruguay, and China, alongside deeply meaningful initiatives such as the Kids Guernica Peace Banners from London and Hiroshima.

From Systemic Risk to System Failure: An Update on The State of the Polycrisis

In this first episode of the EXTRA Podcast Series, Ortwin Renn, former director of the Potsdam Institute for Sustainability, and WAAS Trustee Thomas Reuter, provide an update on interlocking risk scenarios. The rupture of the rules-based international order and ideologically driven hostility towards science are triggering complex downstream risks, undermining the global community's ability to respond to existential risks with unity and a shared understanding of the facts. They argue that at a time when cooperative global action is urgently needed to safeguard vital life support systems, this kind of political instability is something we can ill afford. 

Upcoming Events

APRIL 30, 2026 / ONLINE

Art as a Catalyst for Human Security and Planetary Peace

As global threats, conflict, and social fragmentation increase, traditional security and peace-building methods show clear limitations. This webinar will examine how artistic expression can transform approaches to human security and planetary peace. Art bridges emotional and ethical gaps often missed by conventional frameworks, offering new ways to build resilient communities and foster global empathy.

JULY 15-17, 2026 / PARIS

UNESCO 2026 Global Conference on the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033)

Bringing together global stakeholders to take stock of progress, spotlight science-driven solutions and help shape a resilient and inclusive post-2030 future. Connecting leaders from government, academia, industry, civil society and Indigenous knowledge communities, the conference will serve as a premier global platform to assess progress, share solutions and forge the partnerships needed to mobilize science for sustainable development at scale.

AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 / GRAN CANARIA, SPAIN

21^st Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES)

Aleksander Zidanšek, WAAS Vice-President (Science & Technology) in cooperation with WAAS and the Club of Rome National Associations for Slovenia and Croatia, is organizing a special session titled "Sustainability science and technology for human security." The SDEWES Conferences are organized by WAAS Fellow Neven Duić and are dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge on methods, policies and technologies for increasing the sustainability of development by de-coupling growth from the use of natural resources and the transition to a knowledge-based economy.

Call for abstracts is open until May 31, 2026. Register here using the special session code sgc26scth. Please contact Aleksander Zidanšek for further information: aleksander.zidansek@ijs.si