Vision

The conference series intends to address the goals of WASP as well as the wider requirements of the global adaptation science and practice communities. The conferences are an opportunity for large projects and networks to showcase their activities, results, outputs, and outcomes.  They seek to facilitate the communication of the best available science, good practices, and lessons learned. They are an opportunity for key stakeholders, large projects and networks, as well as policymakers at the local, regional, and global level, businesses, and practitioners to meet, exchange ideas, and seek collaboration and partnerships.

Objectives

• Create a platform for sharing the best available science, new knowledge, and good practices
• Develop a conference report within a year of the conference, with support from WASP members
• Bring the research and practice adaptation communities together, with an emphasis on providing opportunities and strengthening capacity among early career participants
• Ensure that sufficient sponsorship is identified to provide travel scholarships for participants from developing countries who are at an early stage in their careers, and
• Provide an opportunity for WASP to promote its activities to the wider community.

History of Adaptation Futures conferences

Biennial Adaptation Futures conferences have been co-organized and co-hosted by the World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP) since 2010.

• 2010, Queensland, Australia - Preparing for the unavoidable impacts of climate change
• 2012, Arizona, USA - Cutting-edge research and adaptation approaches
• 2014, Fortaleza, Brazil - Climate impacts and adaptation options
• 2016, Rotterdam, Netherlands - Practice and solutions
•        2018, Cape Town, South Africa - Adaptation and development challenges
•        2020/21, New Delhi, India - Accelerating adaptation action
•        2023, Montreal, Canada - Time to Innovate: Adapt Together
•         2025, Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand,Adaptation Futures Conference 2025

Adaptation Futures 2025 (AF2025)

The world’s leading climate adaptation conference was co‑hosted by WASP and the University of Canterbury in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand, from 13–16 October 2025.

AF2025 convened 2000 delegates from over 80 countries, including policymakers, researchers, Indigenous leaders, youth, and practitioners. With 450+ panels and workshops, the conference advanced urgent efforts to accelerate adaptation through knowledge sharing, finance innovation, and stronger global relationships.

Sponsors and  Partners

AF2025 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including:

• Foundation Sponsor: Adaptation Fund

• Consortium Sponsors: University of Canterbury, Global Environment Facility (GEF), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), International Development Research Centre (Canada)IDRC, Agence Française de Développement (French Development Agency)AFD, British High Commission, Auckland Savings Bank (New Zealand bank) ASB, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Insurance Council NZ, and others.

AF 2025 Outcomes

• Hybrid participation model reduced carbon footprint and expanded global access.

• 600+ media mentions with a reach of 5 million+ audience.

• 97.7% positive coverage across New Zealand and the Pacific.

• Strong emphasis on finance access, Indigenous leadership, and youth innovation.

Next Steps

• Film launch on AF2025 outcomes and lessons – April 2026.

• Indigenous Adaptation Practitioners Network – launching February 2026.

• Early Career Challenge winners – announced February–April 2026.

• Next Adaptation Futures Conference – hosted in Cancún, Mexico, in 2027.