Municipalities are aware of the need to design local food production plans which focus on sustainability to ensure food safety, preserve soils and reduce pollution.
Energy Cities Annual Forum
See you in 2026 in Guimarães, Portugal!
The art of grafting shows how a place can flourish by building on its assets and ‘twisting them’. Grafting a city is also a movement to transform street by street, house by house, place by place, increasing diversity and thus resilience.
The forum is the place were where municipalities, organisations and stakeholders can come together, share experiences and forge connections to keep advancing in the transition towards climate neutrality.
Guimarães will be the host of Energy Cities Annual Forum 2026, the fourth edition of Grafting cities. The city has been awarded the 2026 European Green Capital based on its commitment to achieving continuous improvement regarding all sustainable challenges and developments, as well as realising comprehensive results in all seven environmental management areas. The city is already showing its commitment to the green transition, and it will showcase its initiatives and projects during the forum.
Wondering what the forum looks like? Check the learnings from the last edition.
News about the event
People and nature at the heart of resilience
As climate risks grow, local governments are stepping up. In Besançon, we saw how resilience is stronger when cities rewild their streets and bring people into the planning process.
Energy Cities Annual Forum 2025: Celebrating the power of connections
For three days, on the 8th, 9th and 10th of April, we have shared experiences, weaved connections and created partnerships to keep advancing in the green transition.
Cities and citizens in search for energy democracy
During a full day on April 9th, participants had the opportunity to discover, exchange, reflect and forecast pathways of citizen engagement. What has changed over the past decades? What still stands in our way? And perhaps most intriguingly: what does the future hold—especially with new technologies like artificial intelligence reshaping the way we communicate, collaborate, and even make decisions?
Accelerating the transition to sustainable and integrated food systems at local level
There is a huge need in urban areas to develop green belts to boost local production and avoid unnecessary energy consumption to preserve soils and ensure the protection of ecosystems.
Energy Cities Annual Forum 2025: secure your ticket and get ready for three inspiring days
Registrations are open so you can secure your spot and start preparing your trip to Besançon.
Energy Cities’ Annual Forum 2025 programme unveiled: get inspired and embrace the power of connections
Energy Cities Annual Forum 2025 is rapidly approaching, and the programme has finally been unveiled.
Besançon’s commitments to advance in the green transition
Besançon’s energy and climate policies and innovative projects have made it one of the pioneering local authorities in the green transition in France.
Become the next host of Energy Cities’ Annual Forum!
Applications are open to become 2026 or 2027’s host and make your city a referent in the green transition.
Celebrating 35 years of connections at Energy Cities’ 2025 annual forum
The 2025 annual forum of Energy Cities will be held in Besançon, on 8th, 9th and 10th April under the theme “Weaving connections”.
For any questions, please contact the organisation team
Nathalie Moroge
Logistics & Membership
Valentine Crosse
Communications
For media and sponsorship inquiries, please contact
