
Conference
On June 4th , 2025, the NexusNet International Conference ‘Building Resilience to Global Challenges’ represented a significant milestone for the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus community. Convened at the IHECS Building in Brussels and designated as an official partner event of the EU Green Week, the conference brought together more than 200 participants, both in-person and virtually, from various regions of Europe and beyond to explore innovative pathways toward a low-carbon, resilient economy.
The event, organized by COST Action NexusNet (CA20138) in collaboration with Water Europe, the University of Thessaly, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and supported by One Planet Thessaly and Resilient Futures powered by Enrich Global, convened a powerful alliance of researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and innovators.
The agenda was structured around five principal thematic sessions:
- Session I: Modelling the Nexus
- Session II: Applications in the Real World
- Session III: Policy Implications
- Session IV: Urban Resilience and Circular Economy (online)
- Session V: Cross-thematic Poster Session and the NexusNet Manifesto Discussion
A significant highlight of the event was the Roundtable discussion on Achievements, Challenges, and Lessons Learned.
Over 30 technical presentations, explored innovative frameworks and real-world implementations — from quantitative nexus modeling and nature-based solutions to integrated governance, and educational strategies.
The conference concluded with the NexusNet Manifesto, encompassing discussions regarding future pathways and collaboration in the Nexus.
The success of the NexusNet International Conference can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Organizing Committee, under the leadership of Professor Chrysi Lapsidou, Chair of the Cost Action, and the Grant Holder Manager, Assistant Professor Giannis Adamos.
The NexusNet International Conference 2025 represented not only a significant scientific milestone but also a definitive indication that integrated, systems-based thinking has transitioned from being optional to becoming essential.
Thematic Tracks
- Methodological foundations of WEF Nexus
- Governance, policy and institutional challenge
- Data, tools, and modelling for Nexus analysis
- Economic and financial perspectives
- Environmental protection management
- Social dimensions and equity
- Sustainable waste management
- WEF Nexus and climate crisis
- Climate-neutral transition of systems and social innovation
- Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus planning under extreme events
- Urban resilience and circular economy
- Renewable and clean energy solutions