The Ninth Edition of the International Conference on “Green Urbanism” was successfully held from 25 to 27 November 2025, in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome, which served as the main host of this year’s event. The conference brought together researchers, academics, architects, environmental specialists, engineers, and students from across the globe, all committed to advancing sustainable and resilient urban development.

Organized by IEREK, the conference once again served as an essential platform for exchanging knowledge, presenting innovative research, and fostering collaboration across disciplines. Through keynote speeches, scientific sessions, and interactive discussions, participants explored forward-thinking strategies and practical solutions to address the environmental, social, and technological challenges facing contemporary urban environments.

Key themes highlighted during this edition included:

Day 1:

Opening Ceremony:

The Opening Ceremony began with conference registration, followed by a series of welcoming addresses. The first speech was delivered by Dr. Mourad Amer, CEO & Founder of IEREK, who officially opened the event and welcomed all participants. This was followed by a welcoming address from Prof. Carmelina Bevilacqua, Associate Professor in City and Regional Planning at the Department of Planning, Design, Architectural Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. Next, Prof. Ferdinando Trapani, Associate Professor in City and Regional Planning at the Department of Architecture, Polytechnic School, University of Palermo, Italy, shared his remarks. The ceremony concluded with a speech from Prof. Nada Rožmanec Matičič, Acting Dean and Founder of the Faculty of Design, representing the co-host university.

Plenary Session:

The plenary session featured a remarkable group of keynote speakers who shared their expertise and vision for sustainable urban development. Prof. Bertram Niessen, Presidente, direttore scientifico e socio fondatore, opened the session, followed by Prof. Stefano Moroni, Professor of Planning at Milan Polytechnic University, Department of Architecture and Urban Studies. Insights were also presented by Prof. Michele Sbacchi, Full Professor of Architecture Design at the University of Palermo, Department of Architecture, and Prof. Gioia Gibelli, Past President of the IALE Italian Region. The session concluded with contributions from Prof. Marina Rigillo, Associate Professor at the University of Naples Federico II, Department of Architecture (DIARC), and Prof. Nadia Charalambous, Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture, University of Cyprus. Their presentations highlighted innovative approaches and strategies for advancing green urbanism worldwide.

Masterclass Sessions:

The first day of the conference wrapped up with insightful Masterclass sessions titled “Natural Capital in Urban Planning: Methods, Strategies and Tools.” The sessions were expertly chaired by Prof. Francesca Perrone, Alessandra Addessi, and Irene Poli from the PDTA Department at Sapienza University of Rome. Presentations were delivered by Lucia Saganeiti and Angela Pilogallo from the Institute of Environmental Analysis Methods, CNR; Elisa Avellini from Roma Tre University’s Architecture Department; and Eugenia Vidal Casanovas from UDPD, Barcelona Metropolitan Area. The day concluded with a conclusions and debate session, bringing together ideas and successfully closing the first day of the conference.

Day2:

The second day of the conference featured physical parallel sessions, bringing together experts and researchers from around the world. The sessions were moderated by Prof. Carmelina Bevilacqua (DTA Department, Sapienza University of Rome), Prof. Pasquale Pizzimenti (Department of Architecture, DARTE – University of Reggio Calabria), Prof. Bruno Monardo, Prof. Francesca Perrone, Prof. Marsia Marino, and Prof. Aliana Rosendo Veliz (PDTA Department, Sapienza University of Rome), along with Prof. Ferdinando Trapani from the Department of Architecture, University of Palermo. The day concluded with the presentation of seven conference sessions, highlighting diverse research and fostering engaging discussions on innovative solutions in green urbanism.

Day3:

The final day of the conference featured two physical parallel sessions and two online parallel sessions, providing participants with diverse platforms to present research and exchange ideas. The physical sessions were moderated by Prof. Pasquale Pizzimenti (Department of Architecture, DARTE – University of Reggio Calabria), Prof. Carmelina Bevilacqua, Prof. Mario Cerasoli, and Prof. Aliana Rosendo Veliz (PDTA Department, Sapienza University of Rome). The online sessions were led by Prof. Francesca Perrone (PDTA Department, Sapienza University of Rome), Prof. Barbara Lino (University of Palermo), Prof. Riccardo Guarino (University of Palermo), Prof. Benedetta Masiani (University of Florence), and Prof. Luisa Lombardo (University of Palermo).

The sessions concluded with an interactive discussion and Q&A, followed by closing remarks and the official ceremony. The conference wrapped up with a guided tour of the Roman Forum, including the Imperial Forums and Palatine Hill, marking the successful conclusion of a three-day event full of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration.