With the conclusion of the 2024 Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress in Helsinki, organizers and participants in the world’s largest annual gathering focused on sustainability turned their attention to 2025 and the first time the event will be held in the United States.
The University of Illinois System is the host institution and co-organizer of the five-day SRI2025, which will take place at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk on June 16-20, 2025. U of I System leaders participated in the fourth annual event in Finland last week and took part in a symbolic handoff for the 2025 session.
“It was fascinating, enlightening and empowering to be part of this gathering of preeminent scientists and world leaders dedicated to bringing forward viable solutions to the global issues associated with our rapidly changing climate,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “The SRI Congress is a clarion call for us, collectively, to take responsible action on behalf of humanity. I am honored and excited to bring this distinguished assemblage aimed at creating a better future to Chicago next year.”
The SRI Congress series is co-convened by the Belmont Forum, an international platform created to address the world’s most pressing environmental change issues, and Future Earth, a global constellation of researchers and practitioners supporting informed transformations to sustainability. Previous iterations took place in Australia, South Africa, Panama and this year, Finland.
“After a truly special week in Finland sharing knowledge and forging new connections, we are looking forward to keeping the momentum going at SRI2025 in Chicago and elevating the congress to new heights with our hosts at the University of Illinois System,” said SRI Congress Director Veera Mitzner, Future Earth US Hub Director Erica Key and Belmont Forum Executive Director Nicole Arbour.
SRI2025 will focus on implementation strategies and legacies of successful approaches to critical sustainability concerns facing Chicago, the U.S. and the world. This event will also provide opportunities to address obstacles such as engagement, policy and resource allocation that hinder the transformation to a more resilient and equitable future.
Each SRI Congress attracts participants from over 100 countries, with both in-person and remote attendees joining through satellite events and interactive online experiences.
More details about SRI2025 will be announced by the U of I System in the coming months.
