Holcim Foundation
Forum 2025
NOVEMBER 18-21, 2025
VENICE, ITALY
The Holcim Foundation Forum convenes a curated global community of visionary urban thinkers, environmental scientists and acclaimed design practitioners in Venice to confront flooding—one of today’s defining climate challenges.
Under the timely theme RETREAT, RESIST, RESPOND, the event brings together this carefully chosen cast of experts to explore transformative strategies for living with rising waters. Together, we’ll reimagine resilient futures, learning from real-world initiatives to safeguard communities and ecosystems.
OUR AIM:
Set against Venice’s evocative backdrop and taking place during the city’s 2025 Architecture Biennale, this invitation-only, hands-on gathering is designed to spark new connections, inspire action, and cultivate scalable solutions for a sustainable, flood-resilient tomorrow.
BY INVITATION ONLY
BUILDING A FLOOD-RESILIENT FUTURE
WHY
ATTEND?
INVITATION-ONLY
A highly selective, influential gathering tailored for impactful networking.
FUTURE-FOCUSED
Active dialogue aimed at real-world impact.
CITY-SCALE SOLUTIONS
Explore scalable designs and infrastructure concepts from around the world.
THE REAL VENICE
Explore the lesser-known but equally important neighborhoods that make this city unique.
SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE
Attend the prestigious Holcim Foundation Awards Ceremony celebrating innovation in sustainable construction from around the world.
WHO’S IN
THE ROOM?
The Forum assembles a global cast of climate visionaries, pioneering architects, renowned hydrologists, and influential urban strategists—each handpicked by the Holcim Foundation for their innovative ideas and proven leadership in tackling flood resilience.
STEFAN RAHMSTORF
World-renowned climate scientist whose insights into rising seas offer vital clarity for future-proofing our cities.
PARAG KHANNA
Influential geoeconomist and bestselling author, mapping bold strategies for thriving in a radically shifting world.
ANNE-MARIE HITIPEUW
Senior policy advisor on climate change adaptation, driving resilient urban planning and citizen engagement for the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
KAMAL KISHORE
Global authority on disaster risk reduction, leading the UN’s efforts to build resilience worldwide as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
FORUM
IN BRIEF
WHO ATTENDS?
The Forum is invitation-only, gathering a curated group of 120 influential architects, coastal engineers, environmental scientists, climate experts, and policy makers from around the globe.
LOCATION & VENUE
Hosted across Venice’s extraordinary historic venues, with main workshops at the striking Venice Heritage Tower, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s industrial heritage in the Marghera port district.
GETTING THERE
Guests arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport or Santa Lucia Train Station will enjoy a seamless experience, with dedicated boat shuttles and coordinated ground transfers provided between airport/train station, hotel, venues, and events throughout Venice.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Insightful keynotes, interactive workshops, and inspiring dinners designed for deep connections, constructive dialogue, and impactful collaboration.
WHY ATTEND
Connect, exchange, and collaborate at the highest level, translating dialogue into scalable solutions for communities facing rising waters.