From Wisdom to Innovation: The 10th Asia-Pacific Vegan Union Conference Bridges Tradition, Technology, and Global Collaboration in Hangzhou

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A Global Milestone for Plant-Based Progress

Hangzhou, China — In November 2025, the serene canals and historic temples of Hangzhou will host one of the most anticipated gatherings in the plant-based movement: the 10th Asia-Pacific Vegan Union Conference, jointly held with the 10th Hangzhou Vegetarian Culture Festival. From November 6th to 9th, delegates from more than a dozen countries will convene at the Hangzhou Yinglan Center, near the UNESCO-listed Grand Canal, to explore the conference’s central theme — “Integration and Collaboration of Wisdom for Vegetarians.”

This year’s event is far more than a regional meeting. It marks a turning point in Asia’s leadership in plant-based innovation, combining compassion-driven living (Su) with cutting-edge intelligence and technology (Zhi). Organized by the Hangzhou Vegetarian Association, under the supervision of the Hangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau, the conference will be co-hosted by the Asia-Pacific Vegan Union (APVU) and the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) — a partnership that underscores the region’s growing influence in the global vegetarian movement.

IVU’s Guiding Presence: A Legacy of Global Unity

Founded in 1908, the International Vegetarian Union has stood as the world’s foremost network promoting plant-based living, health, and environmental stewardship. Through over a century of advocacy and education, IVU has inspired generations to see vegetarianism not merely as a diet, but as a cultural and ecological mission.

This upcoming conference in Hangzhou continues IVU’s longstanding tradition of international engagement — a movement reinvigorated after the pandemic with major events in Kenya, India, and now China. According to IVU President Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl, who will attend the conference alongside former IVU President Marly Winckler, this year’s forum “embodies the spirit of cooperation that has always defined IVU — bringing global wisdom to local action.”

The IVU’s presence ensures that the gathering remains not only a celebration of Asian vegetarianism, but also a bridge between global traditions and future innovation.

The Driving Force: Shara Ng’s Vision and Diplomacy

At the heart of this milestone lies the tireless effort of Shara Ng, IVU Counselor (2019–2026), IVU China Regional Representative (2024–), and Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Vegan Union (APVU). Her coordination and international articulation were instrumental in turning the idea of a large-scale vegan conference in China into reality.

For years, Shara has served as a crucial link between IVU, APVU, and emerging vegetarian associations across Asia. Her leadership in fostering dialogue between civil organizations, municipal institutions, and business stakeholders made Hangzhou’s successful bid possible. “This event shows how Asia can merge wisdom, compassion, and technology to inspire a more sustainable future,” she noted in her remarks leading up to the conference.

Her influence also extended to engaging local partners, ensuring that the Hangzhou Vegetarian Association — a relatively young yet rapidly growing organization — had the international support and technical expertise needed to host a world-class event.

Shara’s collaboration with Mr. Thao Le, another key figure in the IVU network, further strengthened the regional dimension of the conference.

Collaboration Across Borders: The Contribution of Mr. Thao Le

Mr. Thao Le, IVU Counselor (2022–2026), VFA Regional Organizer for Vietnam, and IVU Asia Regional Representative (2024–), has been equally instrumental in uniting the region’s diverse vegan movements. Representing the vibrant Vietnamese vegetarian community, Thao has consistently championed cross-border partnerships and exchange programs that advance IVU’s mission across Southeast Asia.

His experience as a grassroots organizer and advocate for sustainable vegetarian entrepreneurship played a crucial role in structuring the conference’s business and innovation sessions. These include forums on plant-based product development, cross-border e-commerce, and the future of vegetarian dining in Asia.

Together, Shara Ng and Thao Le have built an organizational synergy that reflects the IVU’s deepest values — unity, collaboration, and the belief that compassion transcends borders.

Thematic Depth: When Wisdom Meets Technology

The conference’s theme — “Vegetarian & Tech Join Forces for Shared Success” — captures a profound transformation underway across Asia’s plant-based movement. The two key Chinese characters shaping the agenda, 素 (Su) and 智 (Zhi), represent the meeting point of ethical living and technological intelligence.

“Su” symbolizes the vegetarian lifestyle: ecological balance, kindness to animals, and a low-carbon way of life. “Zhi” extends that philosophy into the digital age — incorporating artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and big data to make vegetarianism more accessible and dynamic.

Sessions will explore how digital platforms, smart agriculture, and AI-driven nutrition tools can amplify the reach of vegetarian culture. This forward-looking approach situates Hangzhou — a hub of China’s digital economy and home to leading tech enterprises — as a natural epicenter for this new conversation.

In many ways, the conference embodies a fusion of ancient ethics and modern ingenuity, demonstrating how vegetarianism has evolved from a personal choice to a technologically empowered social movement.

A Global Stage for Shared Learning

Over 50 representatives from regions including Malaysia, the United States, India, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and others will gather to share insights. The lineup of speakers includes figures like Dr. CK Ashok Kumar, President of the Asia-Pacific Vegan Union; Dr. Rao Sailesh, the renowned “Climate Healer” from the U.S.; and Dr. Eric Slywitch, an IVU nutrition expert from Brazil.

Sessions across the two main conference days — November 6th and 7th — will feature discussions on:

• The scientific benefits of vegetarianism for human health and sustainability;

• The role of innovation in plant-based business models;

• The expansion of plant-based cuisine through digital and cultural collaboration;

• The creation of an Asia-Pacific Plant-Based Business Alliance.

These dialogues will culminate in a historic declaration: the Asia-Pacific Vegan Ambassadors Declaration, which will lay the groundwork for the Vegan Lifestyle Green Book — a comprehensive bilingual guide documenting vegetarian demographics, culture, and policy across the region.

Hangzhou’s Role: From Host City to Vegetarian Capital

Hangzhou’s selection as host city is both symbolic and strategic. Known for its poetic beauty and innovative spirit, the city has become a nexus of ecological awareness and digital progress. The Hangzhou Vegetarian Association, founded in 2016, has spent nearly a decade cultivating a local vegetarian ecosystem through annual festivals, education programs, and advocacy campaigns.

Its ambition to brand Hangzhou as “the Vegetarian Capital of Southeast China” now gains international validation. Through this conference, Hangzhou aims to position itself as a model city for sustainable living, showcasing how municipal leadership, business innovation, and cultural tradition can align around shared values of compassion and health.

Beyond Borders: Building a Sustainable Future

The 10th Asia-Pacific Vegan Union Conference represents more than a regional milestone — it marks the emergence of a global movement powered by Asia’s leadership. With IVU’s century-long legacy as its foundation, and the strategic foresight of leaders like Shara Ng and Thao Le, the conference aims to produce tangible outcomes that extend far beyond its four days.

Expected results include the formation of regional partnerships, industry alliances, and educational frameworks to promote sustainable vegetarian lifestyles across the Asia-Pacific region.

In a time when technology often divides, this gathering offers a different message: that innovation can be rooted in compassion. By merging the ancient wisdom of vegetarian philosophy with the possibilities of digital intelligence, participants hope to chart a new path — one where ethical living, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship advance hand in hand.

A Shared Future of Wisdom and Compassion

As the final day approaches, and the lights of the Friendship Concert illuminate the banks of the Grand Canal, delegates will leave Hangzhou not only with conference materials and ideas — but with renewed conviction.

The future of vegetarianism, as this conference reminds us, is not a return to simplicity but an evolution toward harmony: where wisdom meets technology, and compassion meets progress.

Thanks to the leadership of IVU, the dedication of Shara NG and Thao Le, and the hospitality of Hangzhou, the 10th Asia-Pacific Vegan Union Conference stands as a shining example of how collaboration can turn ideals into lasting impact — one mindful meal, and one inspired partnership, at a time.

• Official Conference Website
• Registration form