On June 4, 2025, One Planet Thessaly played a significant role in a transformative milestone for sustainability, resilience, and systems-based innovation as a supporting partner of the NexusNet International Conference: “Building Resilience to Global Challenges.“

This prominent event, held at the IHECS Building in Brussels and coinciding with the EU Green Week, represented a pivotal moment in the collective journey toward a low-carbon, integrated Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) future for Europe and beyond.

Vice-Rector Chrysi Laspidou, Chair of NexusNet Cost Action and Head of One Planet Thessaly, led the initiative with her visionary leadership, inaugurating the conference alongside Mr. Durk Krol , Executive Director of Water Europe. Their opening remarks established a tone of both urgency and optimism, underscoring the imperative of translating scientific knowledge into tangible actions.

Over 200 participants, both in-person and virtual, convened for the event organized under the auspices of NexusNet Cost Action (CA20138), in collaboration with Water Europe, University of Thessaly and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. One Planet Thessaly, in conjunction with Resilient Futures powered by Enrich Global, played a crucial role in facilitating interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral dialogue.

The conference featured five thematic sessions, each addressing the pressing necessity to reevaluate governance, technology, and community engagement in the context of the climate crisis and socio-economic instability. Researchers showcased innovative work on a variety of topics, including quantitative nexus modeling, circular economy strategies, nature-based solutions, and educational innovation.

A notably dynamic segment of the conference was the Roundtable Discussion on Achievements, Challenges, and Lessons Learned, during which esteemed experts—including members of the NexusNet EXCELLENTIA Mentoring Program—demonstrated the impact of collaborative, transdisciplinary action. The session included active contributions from distinguished academics and practitioners.

The event culminated in the launching of the NexusNet Manifesto, a collaborative document designed to influence the interface between research, policy, and practice concerning the Water-Energy-Food-Environment (WEFE) Nexus. In her concluding remarks, Vice-Rector Chrysi Laspidou underscored the importance of transforming knowledge into systemic action, vision that is in direct alignment with the mission of One Planet Thessaly.

The conference underscored the imperative nature of integrated thinking, indicating that it is no longer a matter of choice but rather a necessity.

One Planet Thessaly takes pride in the leadership Vice-Rector Chrysi Laspidou, who is once again at the forefront of coordinating initiatives across research, governance, and education to promote the resilience agenda.

NexusNet International Conference 2025 The success of the NexusNet International Conference 2025 serves as a testament to the efficacy of interdisciplinary collaboration and a sustained vision.

One Planet Thessaly continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering systemic innovation and nurturing resilient communities in response to complex global challenges and expresses its sincere gratitude to all organizers, partners, speakers, and participants whose commitment and creativity contributed to the event’s significant success.

Collectively, these efforts are instrumental in fostering the knowledge, networks, and narratives that will shape the sustainable future of Europe and the planet.

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