From April 8th to April 10th, 2025, the international Resource Nexus community will gather in Dresden, Germany, for a pivotal event aimed at exploring the future of integrated environmental resource management. The Dresden Nexus Conference (DNC) 2025 will bring together experts in research, education, capacity building, and practical applications to discuss sustainable approaches for managing environmental resources.
This milestone conference marks the 10th anniversary of the DNC, which first took place in 2015, with a focus on Nexus strategies to address global changes and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
DNC 2025 and the global development agenda
The upcoming DNC coincides with several significant events and milestones in the international development calendar. The theme for DNC 2025 – The Future Nexus aligns with the United Nations’ long-term goals for sustainable development, particularly the post-2030 agenda which was shaped by the Summit of the Future (2024) and the Pact for the Future. The conference will serve as an essential component of the United Nations University’s (UNU) 50th anniversary celebrations.
Under the theme “The Future of Resources – Resources of the Future,” the DNC will focus on the intersections of science, policy, implementation, and real-world applications of Nexus thinking. Since its inception, the conference has provided a platform for promoting discussions and fostering collaboration on the sustainable and integrated management of environmental resources.
A global gathering of experts
The event will attract specialists from a wide array of sectors, including academia, development practitioners, policymakers, and representatives from various UN agencies, government bodies, the private sector, and civil society. Together, they will share insights and work towards innovative solutions for managing global resources in an increasingly interconnected world.
In addition to the conference, the Dresden International Forum 2025 will also take place, focusing on the theme “From Conflicts to Cooperation: The Resource Nexus as a Pathway to Peace and Prosperity in Africa.” This forum, part of the broader DNC 2025, will delve into the role of resource management in fostering peace and sustainable development on the African continent.
Commemorating milestones
DNC 2025 not only marks the 10th anniversary of the Dresden Nexus Conference and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the United Nations University. This year will also commemorate 80 years of peace in Dresden following the end of World War II, 35 years of the city as the capital of Saxony in a unified Germany, and 15 years of the Dresden-concept, a network of 40 leading research institutions in the Dresden region.
This year’s DNC will also look back at key developments, achievements, and best practices in environmental Nexus approaches. It will reflect on how Nexus thinking has evolved since landmark events such as the 2011 Bonn Water-Energy-Food Security Nexus conference and the series of DNC conferences. A global, interdisciplinary perspective will be adopted to explore how Nexus has propelled sustainability and identify the challenges still faced in implementing these approaches effectively.
The PRISMA award: recognizing excellence in sustainability
A major highlight of DNC 2025 will be the presentation of the PRISMA – Sustainability Assessment and Policy Award, which recognizes outstanding publications in sustainability assessment and policy with a particular focus on the Resource Nexus. This prestigious award includes a €2,000 grant, a certificate of excellence, and the opportunity to present at the award ceremony on April 8th, 2025. Applications for the PRISMA Award are open until March 14th, 2025.
Whether you are an academic, policymaker, practitioner, or an interested member of the public, DNC 2025 will provide invaluable opportunities to contribute to shaping the future of global resource management and sustainability.