October 29 - 31, 2026, Guilin – The three-day 2026 Integral Conversation, hosted by Integral Institute, successfully concluded on October 31 in Guilin. Under the theme “Water Connects, We Thrive,” the event brought together leaders and experts from business, academia, research, ecological conservation, arts and culture. Exploring the deep interconnections between water, society, the economy and nature across four dimensions – Humanity, Heritage, Intelligence and Stewardship – the dialogue advanced cross-sector exchange and collaboration. As the permanent venue for this event, the event was held at Integral, Esquel Group’s sustainable development garden in Guilin, attracting nearly 300 participants.

Against the backdrop of climate change and growing pressure on water resources, sustainability needs to move beyond ideas and into practice. Integral presents a pioneering development model, demonstrating how manufacturing and nature can coexist in harmony while offering a tangible setting for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Teresa Yang, Council Member of Integral Institute and Vice Chairman of Esquel Group, emphasized that interconnected water challenges require both systems thinking and collective action. She remarked, “Water connects communities, industries, and ecosystems, reminding us that today's challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Integral Conversation encourages systems thinking and collective action, turning shared understanding into meaningful progress.”

Ms. Teresa Yang, Council Member of Integral Institute, delivers the opening remarks.

Building on this shared understanding, leaders and professionals from various sectors discussed topics such as digital approaches to water management, financing for climate-resilient projects, and ecological conservation. They explored how to break down barriers across industries and disciplines and strike a balance between economic development and sustainability. In his remarks, Mr. Wu Xiaogang, Vice Mayor of Guilin Municipal Government, noted that this year’s theme aligns closely with Guilin’s efforts to pursue greener industrial development.

Mr. Wu Xiaogang, Vice Mayor of Guilin Municipal Government, delivers his remarks.

Beyond technology and finance, the dialogue also explored themes of humanities and environmental conservation, drawing inspiration from Integral’s natural surroundings. Speakers shared insights ranging from cultural exchange in the history of the tea trade to ecological stewardship practices protecting the Sanjiangyuan (the “Water Tower of Asia”) and Chinese white dolphins.

During the event, Integral Institute and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on-site. Leveraging Integral's venue resources and environmental characteristics, both parties will advance cross-disciplinary practices such as artist residencies, natural dyeing, and sustainability-focused workshops, exploring the deep integration of arts education and sustainable ecological concepts.

As the 2026 Integral Conversation drew to a close, Professor Hau Lee, Council Chair of Integral Institute, called for continued collaboration through the cross-sector network established during the event to turn shared understanding into concrete action. With Integral as a starting point, the conversations on water will continue beyond the event, bringing together expertise from different disciplines and translating ideas into practical sustainability initiatives.

About Integral Conversation

Integral Conversation, presented by the Integral Institute, is a premier cross-disciplinary platform that brings together influential thought leaders and professionals from diverse fields. The event explores emerging ideas and innovative practices in sustainable development. By sharing global perspectives and fostering cross-sector dialogue, Integral Conversation inspires new solutions to today's most pressing global challenges. Our conversations span culture, education, technological innovation, urban planning and architecture, healthcare, digital transformation, and other fields. Together, participants explore how sustainability can be embedded across disciplines—transforming vision into reality and ideas into action.

About Integral Institute

Nurturing Sustainable Minds. Harmonizing Human and Nature.

Integral Institute is a non-profit organization that brings together experts, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to explore and deliberate sustainability at personal, institutional, and social levels. We cultivate transformative models, best practices, and offer a diverse range of programs to empower like-minded individuals and organizations through our comprehensive education and research platform. 

Back