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
Participant Registration and Opening Session Júlia Seixas (NOVA FCT), Luísa Schmidt (ICS-UL), Irene Maltagliati (RAS-UG), Maaike de Heij (WOS-UG)

9:55
Social aspects on Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level
Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Home - Preliminary survey results - Monica Truninger (ICS-UL)
Predicting behaviors: factors influencing water, energy and food consumption - Ellen van der Werff (UG)

Coffee Break (10 min)

10:45
Technological perspectives on Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level
Modeling WEF systems at local level - Luís Dias (NOVA FCT)
The role of food systems in climate neutral and resilient futures - Joana Portugal Pereira (IST-UL)

11:35
General discussion/Round table
Moderator: Luísa Schmidt (ICS-UL)

12:15
Keynote and Closing remarks
Towards Evidence-based community-Engaged WEF Systems Transformation by Bassel Daher (Texas A&M University)

8th November

9:30
Opening Remarks

9:35
Governance/policies on Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Local Level
WEF Communities in South Africa: Exploring Multi-Actor Governance Instruments Contributing to Social Justice - Alois Mugadza (UG)
Living labs to foster sustainable nexus - João Dinis (CM Cascais)

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

10:50 Coffee break

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.