The University of Illinois System and the Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress are proud to announce the partners and sponsors powering SRI2025 Congress, a global conference focused on sustainability solutions set to take place June 16-19 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Chicago.
This year marks a landmark moment as SRI makes its U.S. debut in Chicago – a city known for its resilience, innovation and global influence. SRI2025 will host over 1,000 researchers, innovators, policymakers, funders and community leaders from more than 100 countries, united by a common goal of advancing actionable solutions for a just and sustainable future.
“The Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress brings a global focus to the challenge of addressing the most important issues of our time,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “SRI2025 will convene people committed to sustainability, from experts to community activists, from all over the world. Together, we will explore innovative and implementable solutions that will lead to better outcomes for our children and grandchildren.”
Global partnership for local and global impact
SRI2025 is made possible through the visionary support of organizations leading the charge on sustainability and innovation. This year’s partners and sponsors include:
Partners:
- Chicago Innovation
- EPIC-N
- Great Lakes Higher Education Consortium
- Sustainable Development Solutions Network
Sponsors:
- World Business Chicago
- Ameren
- American Family Insurance
- CNH
- Ernst and Young
- Google LLC/Alphabet
- Northern Trust
Together, these organizations represent a powerful coalition committed to climate action, inclusive economic growth and knowledge-sharing across borders and disciplines.
Powerful voices and diverse perspectives
The SRI2025 speaker lineup will bring together leading luminaries, experts and changemakers, including:
- Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist, The Nature Conservancy
- Tonika Lewis Johnson, social justice artist, known for the Folded Map Project and co-founder of the Englewood Arts Collective
- Gil Quiniones, president and CEO, ComEd
- Onja Razanamaro, groundbreaking biodiversity research scientist, Malagasy Herbarium, and member, Bezanozano Tribe
- Jeremy Rifkin, economic philosopher and author of the Planet Aqua
- Jeff Sachs, economist and president, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
- Susan Solomon, Lee and Geraldine Martin professor of environmental studies, MIT
From Indigenous knowledge holders and climate scientists to youth leaders and industry pioneers, SRI2025 will amplify the full spectrum of voices shaping the future of our planet.
“Sustainability is not one issue, but the thread that connects everything,” said Nicole Arbour, executive director of the Belmont Forum, a founding convener, along with Future Earth, of the SRI Congress. “SRI2025 brings together the best minds and boldest ideas from across the globe to explore how we can build a thriving, just future on a healthy planet. This congress is where collaboration meets impact.”
The SRI2025 program
With more than 120 sessions, SRI2025 offers a rich, interdisciplinary program spanning five core themes:
- climate resilience and justice
- sustainable cities and infrastructure
- science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals
- Indigenous knowledge and nature-based solutions
- equity, inclusion and global collaboration
Attendees can expect interactive panels, innovation showcases, policy dialogues, community-led sessions and unique cultural experiences that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Chicago and the global SRI community.
Early bird registration is open through May 15. Learn more and register at sricongress.org.
