Meet Guimarães, the host of Energy Cities Annual Forum 2026

Guimarães will host the next edition of Grafting Cities. Awarded European Green Capital 2026, the city has shown its commitment to achieving continuous improvement regarding all sustainable challenges and developments. Paired with its historical and cultural heritage, the municipality is a place where citizens’ well-being and nature coexist and it is inspiring other cities.

A cultural and historical heritage mixed with sustainability ambitions

The city witnessed in the 12^th century the birth of Portugal’s sovereignty and this heritage has marked its personality. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its well-preserved historic centre. With a population of 156,830 inhabitants, the city has become a culture and knowledge hub, which has led to its recognition as European Capital of Culture in 2012 and European City of Sport in 2013.

Sustainability has long been the cornerstone of Guimarães actions and transformation as for three consecutive years it was the most sustainable municipality in Portugal. It has been signatory of the Covenant of Mayors since 2013 and is a member of the Green City Accord since 2021. Furthermore, it was selected for the EU Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities” in 2022 and was awarded the Mission Label in 2024. Its 2030 Climate City Contract integrates climate neutrality goals which will also trigger economic, social, health, and environmental benefits.

The European Green Capital 2026 award recognises the city’s efforts in seven areas: air quality, noise, waste and circular economy, water, green areas, land use and biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation. Guimarães is an example of determination as it has shown how sustainability efforts can be shaped within the community. All the actions that it has been undertaking to become greener have been achieved in collaboration with its residents, academia and public and private sector as well as forging national partnerships and European collaborations.

A proud host of Grafting Cities 2026

Guimarães is hosting Energy Cities Annual Forum 2026 for the second time. In 2012 it welcomed our members and stakeholders as it was already one of the pioneering cities in sustainable actions in Portugal. Next year, it will offer the perfect setting for our 3-day conference, Grafting Cities, which will be held under the theme ‘Nurturing the roots’. We will focus on how to ensure adequate funding, build local capacity, giving citizens space to express their needs and actively participate in shaping their cities as well as how to create supportive frameworks for sustainable projects, and establishing a virtuous circle of local action.

The programme will focus on five key areas: local governance, fossil-free cities, community energy, food systems, and fair economies. Our members will share best practices, and they will discover the remarkable actions that Guimarães is undertaking. It will be the place to meet, forge partnerships and get inspired.

More information on the programme and sponsorship options will be available soon. In the meantime, learn more about the city here.