EcoCon 2026 turns sustainability ideas into action
Group photo of the participants during the official opening ceremony of EcoCons 2026.
Organised by Monash Carbon Capture & Conversion (MC3), EcoCon 2026 encouraged the university community to engage with environmental challenges and explore practical solutions beyond the classroom. The two-day event featured awareness talks, interactive workshops, career engagement sessions, exhibitions, networking activities and a sustainability-focused bazaar.
The first day focused on environmental awareness and community engagement. Following the opening ceremony and welcome remarks, participants joined an interactive workshop facilitated by representatives from Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. The session introduced participants to community-led environmental action and encouraged them to consider how local initiatives can contribute to broader sustainability goals.
Interactive workshop facilitated by Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots.
The program continued with an awareness talk titled “Where Did the Forest Go? The Palm Oil Story That Nobody Tells You”, presented by Dr Cheryl Ong from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The session explored issues surrounding forests and palm oil while offering participants a deeper understanding of sustainability within the industry.
Awareness talk by Dr Cheryl Ong.
The second day placed greater emphasis on industry engagement and career development. Nur Nazifah Ahmad Rosland from RSPO’s Smallholder Program Unit delivered a talk introducing participants to the role of smallholders in the sustainable palm oil ecosystem.
In the afternoon, representatives from RSPO and Control Union participated in the career talk, “Exploring Careers in Sustainable Palm Oil”, introducing students to career pathways in the sector and providing insights into the sustainable industry practices.
The Career Talk session.
Throughout the two days, participants also explored exhibition booths hosted by NGOs, industry partners and sustainability organisations. The booths offered an interactive way to learn about environmental initiatives, conservation efforts and sustainable business practices. A Sustainability Bazaar further complemented the program by showcasing sustainability-related products and initiatives.
The event attracted 212 participants and was supported by 40 volunteers from the organising team. Beyond raising awareness of sustainability, conservation and responsible industries, EcoCon 2026 also provided learning opportunities for its volunteers.
Participants engaging with industry booths.
By combining environmental awareness with practical activities and career engagement, the event equipped participants with a broader understanding of how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Group photo of the organising committee of EcoCons 2026.