EURESFO: connecting cities for a resilient future
The 12th European Urban Resilience Forum will take place on 25-27 June in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
For over a decade, the European Urban Resilience Forum has served as a pivotal European initiative in the field of resilience. Organised by ICLEI and the European Environment Agency (EEA), EURESFO acts as a unique exchange platform that brings together city representatives, experts, and stakeholders from local and regional institutions to discuss strategies, initiatives, and actions related to climate change adaptation, disaster management, and the cultivation of urban resilience. With this year’s edition focusing on accelerating resilience action, it will now be co-organised with the City of Rotterdam in 2025.
As always, EURESFO 2025 will maintain its characteristic informative, open, and interactive ambiance, upholding its 'PowerPoint free' format. Participants are enthusiastically invited to share their experiences and perspectives on an array of topics that delve into the challenges inherent in urban resilience planning and implementation.
Target Audience: Resilience-makers, Resilience innovators, Resilience providers, and Resilience supporters.
EURESFO25: accelerating resilience action
The 12th EURESFO is focused on accelerating resilience action on six key topics:
- Justice, inclusion and societal resilience
- New extremes and polycrises: from heatwaves to water resilience
- Exploring nature-based solutions: from policy to action
- Finance and investment strategies for resilience-building
- Resilience governance in a polarised political landscape
- Data, information and evidence-based resilience action
Justice, Inclusion, and Societal Resilience
Resilience-building must be inclusive and ensure no one is left behind, yet practical, scalable solutions remain a challenge. This theme explores how cities can address poverty, housing, and finance while preventing maladaptation and fostering just resilience, even in conflict situations. Discussions will also focus on empowering community-led initiatives, strengthening governance, and coordinating existing efforts for greater impact.
New extremes and polycrises: from heatwaves to water resilience
With record-breaking heatwaves, droughts, and floods, Europe faces an urgent need for climate adaptation. This theme will analyse lessons from recent disasters, strategies to enhance societal preparedness, and ways to improve multi-level coordination. Sessions will also explore how European policies can drive long-term resilience transformations that enable regions to thrive despite escalating climate extremes.
Exploring Nature-Based Solutions: From Policy to Action
Nature-based solutions (NBS) are crucial for climate resilience, but challenges remain in scaling and financing them effectively. Discussions will cover how to unlock NBS co-benefits for funding, implement multi-functional solutions for health and well-being, and align with the Nature Restoration Law. The theme also highlights improving soil health and integrating ecosystem-based adaptation into urban planning.
Finance and investment strategies for resilience-building
Accessing financial resources is key to enabling resilience initiatives at local and regional levels. This theme will examine the role of insurance companies, innovative financing models, and ways to balance financial opportunities with democratic governance. Participants will explore how cities and regions can leverage new investment strategies while maintaining long-term public control over resilience agendas.
Resilience governance in a polarised political landscape
Resilience planning requires multi-stakeholder collaboration, yet political divisions complicate governance. This theme will explore strategies for national and subnational governments to implement resilience action while navigating EU programmes and funding. Sessions will focus on balancing climate adaptation with economic development, health, security, and long-term commitments beyond political cycles.
Data, information and evidence-based resilience action
Reliable data is essential for guiding climate resilience efforts, yet misinformation and gaps in knowledge pose significant challenges. This theme will address how to improve data collection, strengthen partnerships, and evaluate the success of resilience initiatives. Discussions will also highlight the links between adaptation and mitigation, as well as how local governments can access the latest tools and innovations.