Apply by November 21st, 2025!

Attend HCONF 2026 to learn how the leaders of today and tomorrow are uniting across generations to spark innovation and ignite change.

Our Harvard Conference: February 6-8, 2026

The Harvard Conference (HCONF) is HPAIR's flagship event taking place at Harvard University, uniting global leaders, professionals, and students to engage in impactful discussions on critical global challenges. Hosted annually, it fosters meaningful dialogue and cross-sector collaboration through panels, workshops, and keynote speeches from influential figures. HCONF provides a unique platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and thought leadership, empowering participants to drive change and innovation. With its commitment to bridging academia, industry, and policymaking, the conference serves as a catalyst for solutions that shape a more connected and sustainable future.

HCONF 2026 Theme — Emerging Horizons: Truth at Dawn, Hope at Dusk

Our 34th conference theme, Emerging Horizons: Truth at Dawn, Hope at Dusk explores how trust within and between communities inspires resilience and hope, guiding humanity toward sustainable growth. 

Truth at Dawn reminds us that the first light of day carries clarity. In a world of polarization and uncertainty, truth emerges as both daunting and precious—as a starting point for connection that allows communities to see one another clearly.

Hope at Dusk symbolizes the strength that remains when the day is done. As challenges deepen and the horizon darkens with geopolitical tensions, climate crises, and social fragmentation, trust matures into resilience, kindling a steady flame of hope that endures even in shadow.

Together, dawn and dusk form a cycle: truth that illuminates our path forward, and hope that sustains us when the light fades. Our past conferences have traced back the threads of memory and heritage—how generations speak to one another; how the lessons of the past remain alive in the present. This year, our focus turns forward. HCONF 2026 invites you to not only name what is broken but to imagine what can be built.

Apply today at apply.hpair.org!

Regular Deadline: November 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

  • Executive Seminars at HPAIR's conferences are intimate, small-group sessions led by distinguished experts and thought leaders. These seminars provide participants with the opportunity to engage directly with facilitators and peers, fostering interactive discussions and personalized learning experiences. The focus is on in-depth exploration of specialized topics, allowing attendees to gain tailored insights and practical knowledge. These seminars emphasize dialogue and mentorship, enhancing participants' understanding of complex global issues and developing their critical thinking and leadership skills.

  • International Night (I-Night) is a vibrant cultural showcase at HPAIR's conference that celebrates the diversity and heritage of its global participants. This event provides attendees the opportunity to share and experience various cultural expressions through performances, fashion, music, dance, and cuisine from around the world. I-Night fosters a spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie, allowing participants to connect through shared experiences and appreciation for each other’s backgrounds. It is an evening that highlights the rich cultural tapestry of the HPAIR community, creating lasting memories and friendships while promoting cross-cultural understanding and unity.

  • The Impact Challenge is a dynamic, real-world case competition at HPAIR's conference, where participants tackle complex issues posed by partner organizations. Teams are tasked with researching, analyzing, and proposing innovative, practical solutions under time constraints, simulating the demands of high-stakes consulting and strategic problem-solving. This experience hones participants’ analytical, teamwork, and presentation skills while immersing them in real-world business and policy challenges. It offers a valuable opportunity to practice casing techniques, refine strategic thinking, and receive feedback from industry experts, equipping participants with skills and insights applicable in professional consulting and leadership roles.

  • Speaker sessions at HPAIR's conference are insightful and engaging discussions led by influential leaders from diverse fields such as academia, business, policy, and non-profit sectors. These sessions provide participants with direct access to the expertise and perspectives of keynote speakers and panelists who share their experiences, knowledge, and innovative ideas. The topics often address pressing global challenges, emerging trends, and transformative solutions, fostering deep intellectual dialogue and critical thinking. Participants gain valuable insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways, making speaker sessions a cornerstone of the conference that fuels informed conversations and empowers attendees to drive impact in their respective fields.