Save the Date: The next Annual Assembly will be held in April 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland!

The GlobalABC Annual Assembly is an essential event for anyone working in or with the buildings and construction sector. Shape sustainable solutions for the sector while connecting with thought leaders, industry experts, and global peers.

Highlights from the 2025 Assembly

Read this newspiece.

Agenda for the 2025 Annual Assembly

Date: April 7-8, 2025
Venue and Google Map: Deutsches Hygiene-Museum, Dresden, Germany

Context

Since the 2023 GlobalABC Annual Assembly in Helsinki (1 and 2 June 2023), GlobalABC has been highly active, strengthening its role as a community and a collaborative force for a zero-emission, resilient buildings and construction sector. Members have contributed through thematic hubs and action groups, leading to the release of widely recognised Global Status Reports (2023 and 2024) on sector decarbonisation. Additionally, 8 national and subnational roadmaps on the buildings and construction sector decarbonization were launched, and GlobalABC-hosted events at COP28 (Dubai, 2023) and COP29 (Baku, 2024), including at its “COP Pavilion” brought together multiple members and experts and generated many strategic discussions. GlobalABC also successfully engaged with UNFCCC processes, including the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the Marrakesh Partnership.

The success of GlobalABC in the recent years, brought the Coalition to a higher level of engagement with countries and stakeholders. At COP28, the Buildings Breakthrough was launched, and the GlobalABC Secretariat received a new important task of being its facilitator.

Following the Global Forum on Buildings and Climate (Paris, 7-8 March 2024) where the Chaillot Declaration was endorsed by the governments of 60 countries, and the High-Level Roundtable on Green Construction and Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Climate Resilience in Cities (COP 29, 20 November 2024), the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC) was established. The GlobalABC was requested to assume the role of the ICBC Secretariat as well. This is a significant development enabling effective coordination and synergies between the activities of GlobalABC, ICBC and the Buildings Breakthrough.  

This 2025 Annual Assembly therefore aims to develop synergies between various GlobalABC activities and formulate proposals for collaboration with the ICBC. Furthermore, the Assembly will facilitate an exchange of knowledge and best practices among the members, and support capacity-building through bespoke training sessions, which will be organised during the Assembly.

The GlobalABC Assembly will be held back-to-back with the Dresden Nexus Conference 2025, organised by UNU-FLORES, a GlobalABC member organisation and facilitator of the Buildings Breakthrough Priority International Action on “Research”.

Following the Assembly meeting, a physical Technical Coordination Group will take place on the 9 April 2025 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM CET at Dresden University.

Day 1 (7 April) Morning

Time (CEST)	Topic	Moderator/ Presenter	​​​Room
08:00-10:00	Welcome coffee and registration		Foyer Martha
09:00-10:00	(Optional) Building & Energy Codes Meetup	International Code Council-ICC	Room 8
10:00-10:10	Introduction and opening	Gulnara Roll, Head of GlobalABC Secretariat, and Head of the Cities Unit, UN Environment Programme	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room   (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
10:10-10:45	Welcome Address	Dr. Lutz Morgenstern, Director, German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)    Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General  John Belcik, CEO, International Code Council	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room   (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
	Presentation Slides:	Day 1: Welcome Remarks
10:45-10:55	Context Setting by GlobalABC Co-Chairs:  GlobalABC’s Role in Shaping the Climate Action Landscape	Yves-Laurent Sapoval, French Urban Envoy  Roland Hunziker, Built Environment Director, WBCSD	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
10:55-13:00	Session 1: GlobalABC Key takeaways 2024/25 1. GlobalABC Achievements in 2024/25  GlobalABC main achievements and implications for its governance GlobalABC community achievements Q&A  2. Workplan and budget 2025/26 Work Plan and budget Q&A	GlobalABC Secretariat, UN Environment Programme	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
	Presentation Slides:	Day 1: Session 1: GlobalABC Key takeaways
13:00-14:00	Lunch break		Foyer Martha

Day 1 (7 April) Afternoon

Time (CEST)	Topic	Moderator/ Presenter	​​​Room
14:00-15:10	Session 2: ​​The Chaillot Declaration and the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC) ICBC overview – Mandate, membership, and next steps Panel Discussion - Moderated by Hanane Hafraoui, GlobalABC Statements from ICBC member countries – National commitments and perspectives   Perspectives from GlobalABC non-state actors – Highlighting the ICBC’s importance and opportunities for engagement between ICBC and GlobalABC Q&A with the ICBC Troika	Gulnara Roll, Head of GlobalABC Secretariat, and Head of the Cities Unit, UN Environment Programme Yves-Laurent Sapoval, Ministerial delegate for sustainable cities-Urban Envoy, Ministries of Territories, Ecology and Housing, France - ICBC Chair Kennedy Matheka, Deputy Director, Buildings Safety, Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development, Kenya - ICBC Vice Chair Ambassador Antônio da Costa e Silva, Chief International Adviser, Ministry of Cities, Brazil - ICBC Vice Chair  Ilyas Essabai, Head of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Service, Direction of Technical Affairs and Professional Relations, Ministry of National Territory Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy, Morocco   Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Solutions, International Code Council (ICC) Roland Hunziker, Director, Built Environment, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
	Presentation Slides:	Day 1: Session 2: The Chaillot Declaration and the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC)
15:10-15:30	Session 3: Buildings Breakthrough (BBT)– a Technical Framework for Accelerating Buildings Decarbonization and Resilience Targets Framework and methodology – Overview of the overarching Breakthrough Agenda goals and vision, framework strategy refresh, approaches to advancing priority actions. 2025 Priority International Actions, Delivery Plan – Progress and key milestone outputs. Open Discussion	Dima Khoury, GlobalABC	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
	Presentation Slides:	Day 1: Session 3: Buildings Breakthrough (BBT)– a Technical Framework for Accelerating Buildings Decarbonization and Resilience Targets
15:30-15:45	Session 4: A Message from Philanthropy. Philanthropy overview Assemble objectives Call to action Open Discussion	Maya Færch, Assemble Alliance	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
	Presentation Slides:	Day 1: Session 4: A Message from Philanthropy
15:45-16:15	Coffee break		Foyer Martha
16:15-17:45	Session 5: Buildings Breakthrough Breakout Sessions – Progressing Collectively Toward Zero Emissions and Resilient Buildings Each discussion room will explore how Buildings Breakthrough Priority International Actions (B1 to B5) will collaborate with Hubs and Action Groups, reinforces the objectives and commitments of the Chaillot Declaration. Each session will consist of two 35-minute rounds, allowing members to switch rooms between rounds and 10 minutes at the end for the notetakers to align with the BBT Facilitating Partner & Hubs/Action Group Leads.   In groups of 15–20, members will discuss their activities in this context and exchange insights on best leveraging existing efforts. Click on the session below to view overall and rounds descriptions, focused on the various Priority International Actions:   B1: Standards and Certification B2: Demand Creation B3: Finance and Investment B4.1: Research B4.2: Deployment B5: Capacity and Skills	BBT Priority Actions Facilitating Partners, with support from relevant Hubs/Action Groups leads	Breakout rooms
	Presentation Slides:	B1: Standards and Certification B2: Demand Creation Clean Heat Forum B3: Finance and Investment: Breakout Session 1 B3: Finance and Investment: Breakout Session 2 B4.1: Research B4.2: Deployment B5: Capacity and Skills
17:45-18.30	Session 6: Back to the Plenary Room – Reporting back from the Breakout Sessions Summaries and key insights from each discussion group Q&A on key findings, challenges, and next steps	BBT Priority Actions Facilitating Partners	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
18:30-19:00	Assembly participants make their way to the Dresden City Hall by public transport or on foot
19:00-21:00	Reception Keynote Speeches	Mayor Dirk Hilbert, Lord Mayor of Dresden  Professor Edeltraud Guenther, Director at UNU-FLORES	​​​Dresden City Hall

Day 2 (8 April) Morning

Time (CEST)	Topic	Moderator/ Presenter	​​​Room
08:00-08:45	Welcome coffee		Foyer Martha
08:45-09:00	Welcome Address for Day 2 from GlobalABC Co-Chair   Keynote address: Regis Meyer, Decarbonisation Expert, French Ministry of Ecological Transition	Roland Hunziker, Director at WBCSD and GlobalABC Co-Chair	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room  (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
09:00-10:00	Session 1: Bold on Buildings: How Climate Action Roadmaps are Inspiring Building-sector ambition in NDCs The session will discuss how GlobalABC Climate Action Roadmaps for Buildings and Construction are catalysing policy and industry action and unlocking greater ambition and clarity on buildings in NDCs).   The session will bring diverse perspectives from countries that can showcase best practice on both development and implementation of roadmaps and embedding recommendations into national policy and NDCs. Interactive elements will draw out insights from the audience.	Célia Martinez, GlobalABC Clara Camarasa, UNEP-CCC	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
	Presentation Slides:	Day 2: Session 1: Bold on Buildings, How Climate Action Roadmaps are Inspiring Building-sector ambition in NDCs
10:00-11:30	Session 2: Hubs and Action Groups Breakout Sessions  10:00-11:30 CET | Plenary Room – Adaptation Hub: From Barriers to Action: Coordinating Adaptation Pathways for the Buildings and Construction Sector 10:00 - 11:30 CEST | Room 2 – Materials Hub   10:00-10:40 CET | Room 3 – Market Transformation Hub 10:45-11:30 CET | Room 3 – Subnationals AG SESSION 1: Launch of the Position Paper: “Local Solutions for Green Buildings and Constructions” 10:00-10:45 CET | Room 4 – Finance Hub: Climate Finance for Buildings – What does it take to create robust and impactful projects   10:50-11:30 CET | Room 4 – Bio-Based Materials Hub: Exploring Systems to Scale Climate Neutral Materials in the Built Environment 10:00-10:30 CET | Room 8 – Collapse of the Carola Bridge and the Consequences 10:30-11:30 CET | Room 8 – Sufficiency Hub	GlobalABC Hubs and Action Group co-leads	Breakout rooms
	Presentation Slides:	Adaptation Hub Materials Hub Market Transformation Hub Subnationals AG Launch of the Position Paper: “Local Solutions for Green Buildings and Constructions” Local Solutions for Green Buildings and Constructions in Albania Finance Hub Sufficiency Hub
11:30-12:00	Coffee break		Foyer Martha
12:00-13:10	Session 3: Ensuring Transparency, Accountability, and Progress Tracking through the Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction (Buildings-GSR) Presentation of the Buildings-GSR and its content, including latest trends, facts and figures   Discussion on the future of the report and linkages with other reports (Emissions Gap Report, International Energy Agency reports, Breakthrough Agenda report) Monitoring BBT and Chaillot Declaration/Policy action With Closing Remarks from Regina Kraushaar, German Saxon Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development	Hanane Hafraoui, GlobalABC	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
	Presentation Slides:	Day 2: Session 3: Ensuring Transparency, Accountability, and Progress Tracking through the Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction (Buildings-GSR)
13:10-14:00	Lunch break		Foyer Martha

Day 2 (8 April) Afternoon

Time (CEST)	Topic	Moderator/ Presenter ​​	Room
14:00-14:50	Session 4: COP30, What to Expect for and by the Built Environment? Keynote- Brazil   Confirmed sponsors present their COP30 objectives   Launch of the Call of Interest for sessions at the COP30 pavilion   Q&A	Maliya Lazli, GlobalABC	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
	Presentation Slides:	Day 2: Session 4: COP30, What to Expect for and by the Built Environment
14:50-15:15	Closing session: Presentation of newly elected GlobalABC Steering Committee for 2025-2027 1 representative from each constituency Group photo	Roland Hunziker, Director at WBCSD and Co-chair of the GlobalABC	Marta-Fraenkel-Saal Plenary Room (Livestreaming Link will be shared soon)
15:15-16:30	Training sessions: Channelling Green Investment through Buildings Passport - CAPSA Digital Building Passport training session with Hendrik Cornehl, Head of Sustainability, Dr. Klein Wowi Finanz AG and York Ostermeyer, Chairman of the Board, CUES Foundation (Room 2) Creating Building Resilience Through Disaster Planning with Ryan Colker, Vice President, Innovation, International Code Council (Room 3) 10 Whole Life Cycle Recommendations Game with Mona Mohammed, Programme Management Officer, UN Environmental Programme (Room 4) Connecting the Dots:  Enabling Better Buildings Policy from National to Local Government with Elizabeth Beardsley, Senior Policy Counsel, U.S. Green Building Council. (Room 5) Low Carbon Rating System for Cement and Concrete: Global scheme locally applicable, Environmental Product Declaration related training with Andrew Minson, Director Concrete and Sustainable Construction, Global Concrete and Cement Association (Room 8)	GlobalABC Members	Breakout rooms
	Presentation Slides:	Connecting the Dots: Enabling Better Buildings Policy from National to Local Government 10 Whole Life Cycle Recommendations Game Low Carbon Rating System for Cement and Concrete
16:30-18:00	Steering Committee Meeting with newly elected members		Room 4
16:30- 19:00	Innovation Expeditions: Field trips to 4 different labs		Dresden (multiple locations)
19:00	Goodbye session at Dresden Nexus Conference’s opening:  Dresden International Forum 2025, From Conflicts to Cooperation: The Resource Nexus as a Pathway to Peace and Prosperity in Africa		Frauenkirche, Dresden

Our Sponsors

 

 

 

 

 

Become Our Sponsor

Join us in advancing sustainable buildings and construction by sponsoring the GlobalABC Annual Assembly. This premier event offers sponsors the opportunities for demonstrating their thought leadership, exposure and active engagement with key stakeholders.

For any inquiries on the programme or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Get to the Venue?

The Deutsches Hygiene-Museum in Dresden, Germany offers an inspiring environment for the GlobalABC Annual Assembly, with its interdisciplinary focus on science, sustainability, and human well-being. 

Dresden, the state capital of the Free State of Saxony, is situated in the heart of Europe, where West and East converge. Its location at the border triangle of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic provides excellent opportunities for cultural, economic, and political cooperation.

This Elbe metropolis, with its artistic and cultural treasures spanning over 800 years of city history, attracts millions of visitors each year. It offers an exceptional quality of life for its approximately 574,000 residents, along with a wide range of educational and employment opportunities.

Since German reunification 35 years ago, Dresden has invested in high technologies and related innovations. Its particular strengths lie in the close collaboration between science and business, as well as interdisciplinary cooperation among specialists. With its high concentration of universities, colleges, and research institutes, Dresden has become an outstanding research hub and, thanks to its industrial developments, a globally respected and leading European center for microelectronics. To learn more about the city, visit www.dresden.de/europa. 

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How to Get to the Venue

By Air:

Dresden Airport (DRS): The closest airport, just a short 20-minute drive from the venue, or take the S-Bahn line S2 to Mitte station and then streetcar line 1 in the direction of Dresden-Prohlis to the destination stop “Deutsches Hygiene-Museum”.

Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ): Approximately 1.5 hours away by train, offering another convenient option for travelers.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): Around 2 hours away by train, ideal for international travelers.
All airports offer direct connections to Dresden via train or bus. For more details: Airport Transfer Berlin | visitBerlin.de

By Train:

DB (Deutsche Bahn) provides excellent train services to Dresden Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). From there, it's a 10-minute tram ride or a 25-minute walk to the venue.

By Bus:

FlixBus operates several routes connecting Dresden with major cities like Berlin, Leipzig, and Prague. The central bus station is located just 15 minutes from the museum by public transport.

Where Can I Stay in Dresden?

Hotel Recommendations:

• Ibis Dresden Zentrum
• Dorint Hotel Dresden
• Premier Inn Dresden City Zentrum
• NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
• Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe 

Who Attended the 2025 Annual Assembly?

Download the list of in-person attendees here.

Tell Me More About the Annual Assembly Reception at Dresden City Hall

 

On April 7, 2025, from 7-9 PM, we invite you to an unforgettable evening at the historic Dresden City Hall to celebrate the first day of the GlobalABC Annual Assembly. This exclusive reception will provide a unique opportunity to connect with fellow leaders, innovators, and policymakers shaping the future of sustainable buildings and construction. 

Don't miss this chance to hear from Mayor Dirk Hilbert, Lord Mayor of Dresden and Professor Edeltraud Guenther, Director at UNU-FLORES, and to engage in lively discussions and exchanging ideas over refreshments.

Agenda:

Time	Agenda
19:00	Arrival of Guests
19:30	Welcome Address from Gulnara Roll, Head of Cities Unit; Head of the GlobalABC Secretariat, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division
19:32	Welcome Note of Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert, Dresden
19:37	Keynote of Professor Edel Guenther, Director of UNU-FLORES
19:42	MoU Signing Ceremony & Photo Session: GlobalABC x UNU-FLORES
19:45	End of interventions
21:00	End of Reception

Our Organizing Partners

This year, we’re proud to partner with the Dresden Nexus Conference, which will take place from 8–10 April 2025, also at the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum. DNC 2025 celebrates its 10th anniversary, bringing together the global Resource Nexus community to explore the future of integrated approaches to environmental resource management in research, education, capacity building, and practice.

Highlight from the Dresden Nexus Conference

Dresden International Forum Panel Discussion on "From Conflicts to Cooperation: The Resource Nexus as a Pathway to Peace and Prosperity in Africa"

All GlobalABC Members can attend this session free of cost.

Session Link: From Conflicts to Cooperation: The Resource Nexus as a Pathway to Peace and Prosperity in Africa

 

Location: Frauenkirche Dresden, Germany
Date and time: 8 April 2025, 19:15 - 20:45 

 

Welcome Remarks

• His Excellency Stephan Mubiru, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to the Federal Republic of Germany
• Barbara Meyer, State Secretary in the Saxon State Ministry of Regional Development
   

Panelists

• Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General
• H.RH Princess Dr. hc Abze Djigma, Initiator and leader of the MAMA-LIGHT Initiative, Co-Chair of the UNFCCC Paris Committee on Capacity-Building
• Gulnara Roll, Head of the GlobalABC Secretariat; Head of the Cities Unit, United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP); Officer in Charge of the Mitigation Branch, UNEP Climate Change Division
• Lars Bergmann, Founder and CEO, VIADUCT Technologies GmbH
• Chair: Sonja Hahn-Tomer, Executive and Liaison Officer, United Nations University

 

Programme Description

Reliable access to environmental resources is fundamental to our lives and one of the driving forces behind economic development and prosperity. Yet these valuable assets also harbor immense potential for conflict. History has shown that the fight for resources has often led to violence and bloodshed.

However, resource conflicts are not an inevitable fate. Integrated resource management and nexus approaches, fair trade, and sustainable supply chains can help mitigate the potential for conflict. Why and how do resources repeatedly lead to tensions and wars? And, above all, how can we defuse or even prevent these conflicts through integrated and sustainable management of environmental resources?

The Dresden International Forum is part of the Dresden Nexus Conference "The Future of Resources - Resources for the Future." 

For more details: From Conflicts to Cooperation_Dresden International Forum.pdf

We are deeply grateful for the patronage of Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, Germany, and his commitment to the sustainability of the buildings and construction sector. 

"The buildings and construction sector touches our lives daily. The GlobalABC Annual Assembly will explore the future of industry, best practices, and innovative solutions. We are excited to host this pivotal event in Dresden." 

– Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, Germany