The inception of the “International Conference on Climate and Energy Finance” (ICEF) dates back to 2018 and was initiated by Professor Qiang Ji and Professor Zhang Dayong. The primary goal of this conference is to propel research development within the realm of climate and energy finance in China while fostering academic exchanges on both domestic and international fronts. The organizational and coordination responsibilities for the conference rest with the ISETS Energy Finance Network and the Studies of Climate Finance, Chinese Society of Optimization, Overall Planning, and Economical Mathematics. Over the years, ICEF has been successfully hosted in various cities such as Beijing, Kunming, Qingdao, Xiamen, Nanjing, Changsha, and Guangzhou. The conference has consistently attracted the participation of experts and scholars from over 20 countries and regions, representing more than 200 universities. Recognized in the China Association for Science and Technology’s “Important Academic Conference Guide” for five consecutive years, ICEF has played a crucial role in advancing the development of climate and energy finance disciplines and contributing to talent cultivation in China.
For more information, please refer to the conference website: http://www.cnefn.com, and enquiries can be sent to energyfinance@126.com.
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 International Conference on Climate and Energy Finance (ICEF 2026) will be held by Xidian University between 12-14 June, 2026 in Xi’an City, China, organized by ISETS Energy Finance Committee and Society for the Studies of Climate Finance, Chinese Society of Optimization, Overall Planning and Economical Mathematics. The event is co-organized by Institute of Carbon Neutrality and Climate Finance, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, School of Economics and Management, Xidian University.
The first ICEF event was held in Beijing (2018) and has become the most important conference in the area of climate and energy finance. It seeks to provide a platform for international scholars to share their original research and join the debates in the frontier topics. Following the success of the past eight events in Beijing (2018), Kunming (2019), Qingdao (2020), Xiamen (2021), Nanjing (2022), Changsha (2023), Weihai (2024) and Guangzhou (2025), we sincerely invite your submissions of high-quality original research to ICEF 2026, to jointly discuss the cutting-edge areas and key issues of climate and energy finance research.
The main theme of ICEF 2026 is Innovation and Adaptation in the Climate Crisis. Papers to be considered include but are not limited to the following list of topics:
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Organizers
ISETS Energy Finance Committee
Society for the Studies of Climate Finance, Chinese Society of Optimization, Overall Planning and Economical Mathematics
Host
Xidian University
Co-organizers
Institute of Carbon Neutrality and Climate Finance, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences
School of Economics and Management, Xidian University
Conference chairs
Jian Chai, Xidian University, China
Qiang Ji, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Dayong Zhang, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China
Scientific committee chairs
Xi Lu, Tsinghua University, China
Qunwei Wang, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China
Yudong Wang, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, China
Yue-Jun Zhang, Hunan University, China
Organizing committee chairs
Yan Song, Xidian University, China
Yan Xia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Scientific committee
Bin Chen, Beijing Normal University, China
Ying Fan, Beihang University, China
Qiang Ji, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Boqiang Lin, Xiamen University, China
Xunpeng Shi, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Bin Su, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Shouyang Wang, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Zhaohua Wang, Beijing Institute of Technology, China
Jian Yang, University of Colorado, USA
Dayong Zhang, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China
Zhongxiang Zhang, Tianjin University, China
Peng Zhou, China University of Petroleum (East China), China
Ali M. Kutan, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA
Aviral Kumar Tiwari, Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, India
Brain Lucey, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Duc Khuong Nguyen, Léonard de Vinci Pôle Universitaire, France
Elie Bouri, Lebanese American University, Lebanon
Lutz Kilian, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, United States
Muhammad Ali Nasir, University of Leeds, UK
Rangan Gupta, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Ronald D. Ripple, R.D. Ripple & Associates, USA
Samuel A. Vigne, Luiss Business School, Italy
Shunsuke Managi, Kyushu University, Japan
Stéphane Goutte, University Paris-Saclay, France
Ugur Soytas, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
Organizing committee
Yingtong Chen, China University of Petroleum (East China), China
Kun Guo, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Zhaoyuan Hu, Xidian University, China
Ruining Jia, Xidian University, China
Ting Liang, Xidian University, China
Yinpeng Liu, Beihang University, China
Huiting Shi, Xidian University, China
Xiaolei Sun, Beihang University, China
Aiqin Wang, Xidian University, China
Lei Wang, Xidian University, China
Limin Xing, Xidian University, China
Ying Yang, Xidian University, China
Shunxin Ye, Xidian University, China
Chengyuan Zhang, Xidian University, China
Keynote Speakers
Submission process
An extended abstract is needed and we encourage authors to submit full papers. Please go to the conference website: http://www.cnefn.com/main/conference and use the online submission portal to submit your paper.
Publication opportunities
Papers submitted to the conference have the opportunity to publish in one of the special issues. Qualified papers will be invited to submit to the suitable journal based on recommendations by the guest editors. Please note that the recommendation does not guarantee final publication, all regular requirements and reviewing process set by journals have to be satisfied.
List of special issue journals
- International Review of Financial Analysis (SSCI: JCR 1, ABS 3, ABDC: A)
- Advances in Climate Change Research(SCIE, Q1)
- Journal of Climate Finance
Important Dates
- Abstract submission deadline: April 10, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: April 20, 2026
- Full paper submission deadline (for special issues): May 10, 2026
- Registration deadline: May 20, 2026
- Conference: June 12-14, 2026 (Registration: June 12)
Conference Venue
Chang’an Pilot International Innovation Talent Exchange Center
Address: No. 8, Shangu Street, Lintong District, Xi’an, China 710600
City Information
Location
Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, is a major city in Northwest China. It is situated on the Guanzhong Plain, with the Wei River to the north and the Qinling Mountains to the south. As the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an serves as a key cultural, economic, and transportation hub, linking the western and central regions of the country.
Climate and Environment
Xi’an experiences a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate, characterized by hot, rainy summers and cold, dry winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 24°C to 28°C (75.2°F to 82.4°F), while winter temperatures often fall between 0°C and 8°C (32°F to 46.4°F). The city receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 600 millimeters (24 inches), with the majority of precipitation concentrated in September.
The urban environment of Xi’an blends historical heritage with modern city life. The well-preserved ancient city wall defines the historic core, while the metropolitan area extends with contemporary developments. Xi’an has numerous public parks and green spaces, many of which are integrated with historical sites, providing residents and visitors with natural areas within the urban landscape.
The enjoyable environmental and climatic conditions of Xi’an
History and Culture
Historical buildings in Xi’an
Xi’an stands as one of China’s most historically significant cities with over 3,100 years of history. Founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty, it served as capital for 13 dynasties including the influential Qin, Han, and Tang periods. The city gained global importance as the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, connecting China with Central Asia and Europe.
Culturally, Xi’an preserves remarkable heritage including the Terracotta Army and the well-preserved City Wall. The city is celebrated for its distinctive cuisine featuring Roujiamo and various noodle dishes, along with traditional arts like Qin opera. Xi’an’s architecture presents a blend of ancient monuments and modern structures, reflecting its continuous historical evolution.
Economy
As of recent estimates, Xi’an has a population of approximately 13 million people, making it one of China’s major urban centers. The population is diverse, comprising a mix of local residents and migrants from other parts of China, reflecting the city’s status as a key economic hub in Northwest China.
In terms of economic performance, Xi’an boasts a strong Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As of the latest figures, the city’s GDP reaches approximately 1.33 trillion RMB (approximately 182 billion USD). The city’s economy benefits from its thriving manufacturing sector, particularly in high-technology industries such as semiconductor and aviation manufacturing, along with growing service industries. Xi’an continues to experience steady economic growth, driven by its strategic location, robust industrial base, and dynamic business environment.
Booming night economy in Xi’an
Science Research & Education
Xi’an serves as a major hub for scientific research and higher education in Western China. The city hosts several leading universities and research institutions, including Xi’an Jiaotong University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xidian University, and the Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. These institutions conduct cutting-edge research in fields such as aerospace engineering, electronic information technology, photonics, and materials science. Additionally, Xi’an High-tech Industries Development Zone provides an important platform for technological innovation in semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Leading Universities in Xi’an
Tourist Attractions & Culinary Specialties
Xi’an, a renowned historical city in Northwest China, boasts abundant cultural landmarks and distinctive cuisine. Its most renowned heritage sites include the Terracotta Army, a world-famous archaeological discovery; the well-preserved Ancient City Wall, one of the largest and most complete medieval military defense systems in the world; and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark Buddhist building in the Tang Dynasty. The Bell Tower and Shaanxi History Museum further enrich the cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy Xi’an’s unique culinary traditions, including Roujiamo, known as the Chinese hamburger; Biangbiang noodles, characterized by their broad shape; and Yangrou Paomo, a mutton stew with crumbled flatbread. These attractions and specialties make Xi’an a compelling destination for travelers seeking both cultural enrichment and culinary discovery.
Must-see Xi’an Sights
Registration fee
International participant:
Regular participant: $400
Student: $250
Chinese participant:
Regular participant: 2600 RMB
Student: 1600 RMB
Note: All the international participants who attend online sessions can enjoy the 50% fee discount.
(1) REGISTRATION FEES are payable in advance, no onsite registration is allowed.
(2) To include the paper in the conference program and the conference proceedings, at least one of the authors has to register before the registration deadline. If multiple submissions are accepted, then a different author will be required to pay the registration fee and present each paper. Otherwise, authors will be contacted and asked to drop one or more paper(s) for presentation.
(3) Full time student (not including post doctor) MUST provide proof of full time status (copy of valid student ID card or letter from affiliated institution head or program director).
1. Foreign participants:
(1) Payment by Bank Transfer
(2) Online payment by paypal
2. 国内参会者（国内参会者请务必通过以下账号汇款）
支付方式1：二维码支付（推荐）
支付方式2：银行转账