Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level (Online Conference)

Join us on 7-8 November (09:30-12:30) for the online conference Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level: Self-sufficiency as a Driver for Sustainability in Urban Territories!  We will explore innovative approaches to managing local water, energy, and food systems for more sustainable urban futures. The event is organized by the CitySelfy consortium (FCT NOVA, NOVA University of Lisbon & ICS-ULisboa, University of Lisbon) and the University of Groningen ( Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development and Wubbo Ockels School for Energy and Climate ).

With cities currently home to 55% of the global population and generating 70% of global economic income—figures projected to rise to 70% and 85% by 2050—the need to address challenges like resource depletion, pollution, and climate change is more urgent than ever. This conference will focus on enhancing urban self-sufficiency by connecting local production to local consumption and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration.

The program will feature three key sessions tapping into the different aspects of the nexus: Social Aspects of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level, Technological Perspectives, and Governance and Policies. Along with these, there will be general discussions and a unique opportunity for "research speed dating" on the second day, providing a platform for networking and collaboration.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with experts and help shape sustainable strategies for urban transformation!

Program

*Please note that all times listed in the program refer to Netherlands local time (GMT+2).

7th November

9:30
Opening Session

9:45
Social aspects on Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level
Presentations by Monica Truninger (ICS-UL) and Ellen van der Werff (RUG)

10:45
Technological perspectives on Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level
Presentations by Luis Dias (NOVA FCT), Thomas van Huyssteen (RUG) and Joana Portugal Pereira (IST-UL)

11:35
General discussion/Round table
Moderator: Júlia Seixas (NOVA FCT)

12:15
Keynote and Closing remarks
Keynote by Dr. Bassel Daher (Texas A&M University)

8th November

9:30
Opening Remarks

9:35
Governance/policies on Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level
Presentations by Alois Mugadza (RUG) and João Dinis (CM Cascais)

10:10
General discussion/Round table
Moderator: Luísa Schmidt (ICS-U Lisboa)

11:00
Showcase: Invited projects on Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level
Presentations by Akkoord van Groningen, B-WaterSmart, Food link, Bonex and NOVA FCT

11:40
Wrap-up
Júlia Seixas (NOVA FCT) and Luísa Schmidt (ICS-U Lisboa)

11:45
Research speed date
Participants who sign up for the research speed dating session will be paired for brief one-on-one online conversations to exchange ideas and share their interests. After these exchanges, attendees will have the opportunity to reconnect with those they found engaging.