The 5th International Conference on Water Energy Food and Sustainability (ICoWEFS  2025), taking place in Leiria (May 14-16, 2025), Portugal, aims to be a major forum to foster innovation and exchange knowledge in the water-energy-food nexus, embracing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of  the United Nations, bringing together leading academics, researchers and industrial experts. The conference expects to foster networking and collaboration among participants to advance the knowledge and identify major trends in the above mentioned fields.

The world is facing unprecedented challenges to mitigate climate change and adapt to its negative impacts, affecting global economy and society. Europe intends to take the lead on the transition to sustainability, as a chief priority of Horizon Europe is a European Green Deal to transform Europe in a climate-neutral continent, fostering disruptive innovation and the deployment of new technologies and innovative solutions, helping creating a sustainable future. 

Innovation regarding water, energy, agri-food, bio-economy, natural resources and environment will speed up the transition towards sustainability, promoting water and food security in the world.

A climate-neutral continent by 2050 will drive technological, economic and societal transformations towards circular economies and green and clean technologies, and the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries.

Leiria is a beautiful historical city with a striking royal castle, built in 1135 by the first king of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, located one hour north from Lisbon, close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Sanctuary of Fatima.  Leiria region was the setting of several cortes (feudal parliaments) in the 13th and 14th century. The wood from Leiria region pine tree forests were used to build the ships used in the Portuguese Navigations in the 15th and 16th centuries. Now in the 21th century, this region has several wind, PV and biogas power plants supported by a strong industrial cluster.

Leiria promotional video.