Spotlights 2026

📅  Date             14–15 October 2026

📍 Location        Dessau-Roßlau

👥 Participants  180 Experts

🎯 Focus            Transformation of the chemical industry

🌍 Aim               Sustainability and competitiveness

On 14–15 October 2026, the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) will bring together around 180 leaders from industry, policymaking, finance, academia and civil society in Dessau-Roßlau to shape the future of Europe's chemical industry.

“Spotlights 2026: Shaping the Chemical Transition Together” will explore one central question:

How can the chemical industry in Germany and Europe remain competitive, innovative and sustainable – within planetary boundaries?

Conference Journey:

Keynotes >> Thematic sessions >> Breakout groups >> Shared priorities / future action

⚠️ Participation is free of charge, but places are limited.

🔗 Register now to secure your place: Registration.

📅 Find the Agenda here: Agenda

💡  Find out more: Sessions and Speakers

Why you should join this conference

• Benefit from an unparalleled breadth of stakeholders and perspectives across policymakers, industry, finance, technical field, academia, and civil society
• Be among the first to engage with the German Environment Agency’s vision for the chemical industry in 2050 – a truly holistic perspective on transformation
• Take part in a uniquely structured dialogue that connects the big picture with practical pathways forward – from why change is necessary, to where the industry needs to go, and how this transformation can be achieved
• Do not miss the opportunities for networking, exchange and collaboration to foster new partnerships across sectors and regions

The conference will feature high-level dialogues and in-depth discussions exploring:

• the future role of the chemical industry in Germany and Europe and how it can become a strategic leader in the transition towards a sustainable economy within planetary boundaries
• the conditions required to enable transformation, including innovative technologies, new investment and financing models, and effective governance approaches
• practical solutions on innovative materials, safe and sustainable products, approaches that reduce hazardous chemicals and promote circularity

🏆 Sustainability matters: We’re aiming for “Blauer Engel” certification for this event.