Cities, home to more than half of the world's population, are at the heart of the environmental, economic, and social challenges of the 21th  century. According to World Bank studies, rapid  urbanization contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and overconsumption of natural resources. According to a UN Habitat report (2010), by 2050, nearly 68% of the world's population will live in urban areas. This population growth is putting unprecedented pressure on infrastructure, water, energy, and green spaces. Research works and studies on planning points out that the lack of sustainable planning can lead to phenomena such as air pollution and urban heat islands (UHI), thereby exacerbating public health problems.

Beyond globalization, rapid technological advances and economic uncertainties represent both constraints and opportunities that Mediterranean and Africain cities must strategically navigate to build sustainable and resilient urban future. Addressing these challenges requires the engagement of all urban stakeholders, involving diverse actors including local communities, decision-makers, businesses, and civil society, and across multiple scales, from neighbourhood to metropolitan areas. To this end, we believe that a conference that centralizes work on sustainable urban development will raise the profile of scientific research that can serve as a source of public policy for legislators and innovation for manufacturers, putting cities on the path to sustainability, mainly for Mediterranean Region of the South. 

To build a dedicated scientific community, exchange on these topics from an interdisciplinary perspective, we are pleased to announce the upcoming conference, Sustainable and Resilient Cities: Water-Waste-Energy Nexus organized by the UNESCO Chair on Water, Waste and Energy and its Partners. 

This conference is meant to be a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, showcasing scientific research and practical applications that can enhance the active participation of all urban actors—from grassroots communities to policymakers, across all spatial scales and governance levels. By addressing the nexus of water-waste-energy, we seek to inspire innovative local solutions and global lessons for sustainable and resilient cities whatever their size.

The conference will feature a traditional scientific colloquium format, including presentations, panel discussions, and poster sessions. Special sessions will be organized to encourage broader involvement in sustainable urban development, particularly among young students from all disciplines.

Themes are:

1. Circular Cities: Urban Water Systems and Green infrastructures

2. Circular Cities: Transforming Solid Waste into Sustainable Futures

3. Circular Cities: Energy for Sustainable and Resilient Cities

4. Cities and the risk of disaster  and emergencies

5. Modelling and Digital approaches in and for sustainable cities

6. Sustainable Urban Environments integrating Planning and Architectural Design

7. Public policies and governance approaches for resilient cities

8. Funding for Sustainable Urban Development

During this conference, we will have two side events:

●        Water4Reuse/ Friend-Water/Water4Africa Projects

●      Session for students: Solutions to real issues cities are facing on the path to sustainable development. The aim is to provide solutions to real issues faced by municipalities. The top works will receive prizes.

We invite participants to submit abstracts that align with our conference themes. This is an opportunity to showcase their research and contribute to the  dialogue on sustainable urban development and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The International Conference on Sustainable and Resilient Cities: Water-Waste-Energy Nexus promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees. With your participation, we will pave the way for a more inclusive urban future. 

We look forward to your contributions and hope to seeing you at the conference!