HOLCIM FOUNDATION

FORUM 2025

NOVEMBER 18-21, 2025
VENICE, ITALY

The Holcim Foundation Forum convenes a curated global community of visionary urban thinkers, architects, and science experts in Venice to confront flooding—one of today’s defining climate challenges.

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 dialogue, inspire action, and cultivate scalable solutions for a sustainable, flood-resilient tomorrow.

OUR AIM

The event brings together a 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.

BY INVITATION ONLY

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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.

WHY

ATTEND?

INVITATION-ONLY

A highly selective, influential gathering tailored for impactful networking.

FUTURE-FOCUSED

Active dialogue aimed at real-world impact.

CITY-SCALED 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.

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WHO’S IN

THE ROOM?

The Forum assembles an elite 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 at scale.

PROF. 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.

ANDREA RINALDO

Stockholm Water Prize Laureate and hydrology pioneer whose expertise on Venice’s MOSE offers powerful lessons in resilience.

ALL SPEAKERS

FORUM

IN BRIEF

Who attends?

The Forum is invitation-only, gathering a curated group of 120 influential architects, designers, environmental scientists, climate experts, and decision-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 Starion 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.