The diverse program of the DNC 2025, held from April 8 to 10, 2025, once again focused on key topics of sustainable resource use. These ranged from innovative approaches to agri-food system, measures to preserve biodiversity through efficient resource use, to future-oriented strategies for dealing with water scarcity and climate impacts. The conference made an important contribution to the 50^th anniversary of the United Nations University (UNU) and also marked the 10^th anniversary of the conference itself. Leading international researchers discussed integrated, science-based solutions in global policy-making for future resource use.

New UNU Hub in Dresden

A first highlight of the conference was the founding of the UNU-Hub Climate Resilience and Sustainable Technologies (CREST) in Dresden, an institutional commitment by TUD and UNU-FLORES to strengthen the interface between science and policy. The new center combines the expertise of both institutions in engineering and environmental sciences and is headed by Prof. Jürgen Stamm and Dr. André Lindner. The aim is to build a strong international network and develop innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change.

Dresden International Forum

The Dresden International Forum, a signature event within the framework of DNC 2025, organized a high-level panel discussion at the iconic Frauenkirche on the topic of "From Conflict to Cooperation: The Resource Nexus as a Path to Peace and Prosperity in Africa". The event highlighted the potential of the resource nexus to prevent conflict, promote stability and create sustainable prosperity.

At the new Business Meets Science dialog format, companies and institutions had the opportunity to present their sustainable solutions to an international audience of experts and network with leading scientists and global decision-makers.

The DNC 2025 impressively demonstrated how scientific knowledge and international cooperation can provide much-needed, integrated solutions to global challenges.

PRISMA Prize 2025

Honoring outstanding achievements in sustainability research

During the DNC, the PRISMA Sustainability Assessment and Policy Award was also presented for outstanding publications contributing to sustainability assessment and policy with a strong focus on the resource nexus. This year's winner was Disha Gupta, a young researcher from India, who was recognized for her paper titled "Free power, irrigation, and groundwater depletion: Impact of farm electricity policy of Punjab, India". Her research provides critical insights into how agricultural policies contribute to groundwater depletion in Punjab, India, and is an example of the integration of policy analysis and sustainability assessment.

The award is coordinated by PRISMA - Center for Sustainability Assessment and Policy at TU Dresden.

Special recognition: WEF Nexus Index Team

In addition to the main prize, the jury awarded a special commendation to the team behind the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Index, a tool for assessing the interdependence of resources to enable more informed policy decisions. The team, made up of international researchers from various institutions, including Gareth Simpson, Graham Jewitt, William Becker, Jessica Badenhorst, Sara Masia, Ana Neves, Pere Rovira and Victor Pascual, was recognized for its comprehensive and practical approach to measuring the linkages between water, energy and food systems.