We are delighted to invite you to the International Dark Sky Forum 2026, to be held in Taipei, Taiwan, from Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2026.

This forum will serve as a vital platform to spotlight the global challenges of light pollution, share knowledge on dark sky conservation, and discuss innovative and locally relevant lighting and policy solutions with worldwide applicability.

The natural night sky is a shared human heritage — critical for ecological health, astronomical observation, cultural identity, and human wellbeing. Yet today, most of the world’s population lives under skies where the Milky Way is no longer visible. Light pollution continues to grow globally, disrupting ecosystems, wasting energy, and disconnecting people from the stars. The International Dark Sky Forum aims to reverse this trend by bringing together global experts, communities, and decision-makers to promote responsible lighting and protect our dark skies.

Taiwan plays a growing role in the international dark sky movement. With strong civil society involvement, increasing awareness of sustainable lighting practices, and emerging dark sky initiatives in mountainous and coastal areas, Taiwan demonstrates how vibrant urban life can coexist with the protection of the night environment. Hosting the Forum in Taipei provides a unique opportunity to highlight how dense cities in East Asia can take leadership roles in light pollution mitigation while respecting culture, safety, and technology.

Taipei is not only a center of innovation and culture, but also a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of Taiwan — from its starry rural landscapes to indigenous knowledge systems that have long respected the rhythms of nature. As the first city in Asia to host this forum, Taipei offers a valuable space to explore how dark sky protection can be integrated into urban planning, education, tourism, and conservation.

We look forward to welcoming you to Taiwan for this global gathering. Together, we will build on past progress and advance collaborative, science-based, and culturally respectful solutions that help ensure future generations can once again look up and see a sky full of stars.