Friday, 24 October 2025
Dublin to Host 2026 Global Bioeconomy Summit During Ireland’s EU Presidency The Global Bioeconomy Summit (GBS), the world’s leading forum for bioeconomy policy, innovation, and collaboration, will take place in Dublin on October 20–21, 2026, it was announced today (Tuesday, October 21). The event will be held at the Convention Centre Dublin during Ireland’s presidency […]
The Global Bioeconomy Summit (GBS), the world’s leading forum for bioeconomy policy, innovation, and collaboration, will take place in Dublin on October 20–21, 2026, it was announced today (Tuesday, October 21). The event will be held at the Convention Centre Dublin during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The summit is being co-hosted by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM); the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; and the International Advisory Council of the Global Bioeconomy (IACGB).
Since its inception in 2015, the Global Bioeconomy Summit has grown into a flagship international event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, investors, and civil society to advance bio-based solutions for global sustainability challenges. The 2026 edition is expected to welcome up to 1,000 international delegates, offering Ireland a unique platform to showcase its bioeconomy leadership, research strengths, and innovation capacity.
Speaking about the announcement, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, highlighted the economic and environmental potential of the bioeconomy:
“Bringing the 2026 Global Bioeconomy Summit to Dublin will see up to 1,000 delegates from around the world coming together to discuss opportunities for developing the bioeconomy.
The bioeconomy is about creating new and valuable products such as biostimulants that further develop a sustainable farming economy, create new green jobs in the agri-food sector through biorefinery development, cut emissions, and aid rural regeneration and prosperity.”
The bioeconomy encompasses all economic activities related to the production and use of renewable biological resources to produce food, energy, products, and services. As global populations increase and the demand for sustainable solutions intensifies, the bioeconomy offers a pathway to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and foster circular resource management. Hosting the Global Bioeconomy Summit highlights Ireland’s commitment to advancing this transformative economic model.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, said the summit will serve as a showcase for Ireland’s contributions to climate innovation and sustainability:
“The summit will provide a unique opportunity to showcase our bioeconomy achievements, partnerships, and future ambitions on both the European and global stage.
A strong and sustainable bioeconomy is key to achieving Ireland’s climate targets, advancing circular solutions, and supporting a greener, more resilient future for all.”
Minister of State for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development, Noel Grealish, emphasised Ireland’s credentials as a host nation:
“Ireland’s selection to host this important event reflects the very significant scientific expertise in Ireland in relation to bioeconomy development, backed by government investment in research, demonstration, and innovation.”
Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, also welcomed the announcement, adding:
“The Global Bioeconomy Summit in 2026 will showcase the growing importance of the circular bioeconomy in building a more sustainable and resilient future for Ireland and the world, while driving innovation, investment, and new green opportunities.”
Ireland’s hosting of the 2026 summit follows the conclusion of the GBS 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, and reflects the country’s rising profile in bioeconomy-related climate solutions and circular economy demonstration projects.
Christine Lang, co-chair of the IACGB, said the council looks forward to partnering with Ireland on the next edition:
“The Global Bioeconomy Summit has now established itself as the world’s leading event for discussing opportunities and challenges of the global bioeconomy.
We will again engage with stakeholders, and we will work on further developing visions for the future global bioeconomy.”
With the 2026 summit still two years away, Ireland is now preparing to welcome global stakeholders to Dublin for what is expected to be a milestone event in advancing bio-based innovation, climate solutions, and cross-sector collaboration. As the EU presidency looms, the summit offers Ireland a powerful platform to position itself at the heart of global bioeconomy leadership.
The decision to host the 2026 Global Bioeconomy Summit in Dublin marks a significant milestone for Ireland’s growing leadership in sustainable innovation and climate action. As the world faces urgent environmental and economic challenges, the summit will provide a vital platform for global collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and investment in bio-based solutions. With strong government backing and a solid foundation in research and innovation, Ireland is well-positioned to help shape the future of the global bioeconomy, and to showcase how bio-based industries can drive sustainable growth, rural development, and a more resilient, circular economy.
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