Holcim Foundation

Forum 2025

NOVEMBER 18-21, 2025
VENICE, ITALY

The Holcim Foundation Forum convened 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 brough together this carefully chosen cast of experts to explore transformative strategies for living with rising waters. Together, we reimagined 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.

BUILDING A FLOOD-RESILIENT FUTURE

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RETREAT

Strategies for proactively relocating people and structures in communities hit by catastrophic flooding and at significant risk for future incidents.

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RESIST

Leading-edge techniques and design approaches to protect people and places in regions threatened by rising sea levels and prone to flooding.

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RESPOND

Intelligent and adaptable infrastructures and building systems that respond dynamically to extreme weather and changing environmental conditions.

FORUM

HIGHLIGHTS

Holcim Foundation Forum 2025 - Panel Discussion 2

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.

ALL SPEAKERS

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.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Insightful keynotes, interactive workshops, and inspiring dinners designed for deep connections, constructive dialogue, and impactful collaboration.

SEE PROGRAM