Holcim Foundation

Forum 2025

BUILDING A FLOOD-RESILIENT FUTURE

In November 2025, the Holcim Foundation brought together leading architects, engineers, urban planners, climate scientists, and policymakers in Venice to address one of our era's most urgent challenges: how to build and support flood-resilient cities and communities.

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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

DIGEST

This publication distills key insights from the Holcim Foundation Forum, convened in Venice in November 2025 to examine one of the defining climate challenges of our time: how to build and support flood-resilient cities and communities. Drawing from interdisciplinary discussions between architects, engineers, urban planners, climate scientists, and policymakers, the Digest captures practical lessons, shared patterns of thinking, and emerging priorities for long-term resilience planning. 

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FEATURED

TALKS

Explore expert presentations and panel discussions from the Forum. Each session offers deep insights into different aspects of flood resilience, from cutting-edge climate science to on-the-ground implementation strategies.

KEYNOTE
Flooded Futures: Understanding the Rising Threats and How We Prepare
Stefan Rahmstorf, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

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RETREAT
Managed Retreat: Lessons and Challenges for Transformative Futures
Jola Ajibade, Associate Professor, Emory University, USA

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RESIST
Shifting Time Horizons in Flood Management: Lessons Learned from the Netherlands
Chris Zevenbergen, Professor Emeritus, TU Delft, Netherlands

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RESPOND
The Superpowers of Wetlands
Alys Laver, Site Manager, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), United Kingdom

Watch talk replay.

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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.

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