About Conference
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Cites & Landscapes (SCL) Conference focuses on sustainable cities and landscapes, bringing together experts to explore innovative solutions, and an audience filled with researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals. The theme, "Living with Water', addresses urban challenges, with objectives to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and inspire action.
APRU - Association of Pacific Rim Universities
The APRU is dedicated to fostering a globally united society to reconsider critical challenges in the modern world as well as creating a platform that facilitates collaboration among authorities, decision-makers, and policymakers to align their efforts toward sustainable development. These challenges, water scarcity, waste management, energy consumption, and food security, affect vulnerable populations in the Pacific Rim, both directly and indirectly. The initiative also aims to bridge generational knowledge, ensuring that future leaders are equipped to address these challenges and promote lasting sustainability. As the world faces increasing population growth and the impacts of climate change, particularly in urban areas and surrounding ecosystems, APRU is committed to driving forward solutions that ensure the resilience and well-being of both present and future generations. Link
SCL Hub
Since 2018, the annual conference has consistently provided a platform to further APRU’s mission of uniting landscape and urban professionals in addressing the challenges posed by the world’s growing metropolitan population and its consequences. Each year, the conference gathers experts to explore practical, research-driven solutions for these pressing global issues. The conference is structured around 13 working groups, each dedicated to a specific area of research. These groups engage in virtual collaboration throughout the year, developing and refining their ideas. The annual event serves as a key opportunity for them to present and exchange their findings in person, setting the stage for future work in the upcoming year. Additionally, the conference includes a Graduate Student Symposium, where emerging scholars can present their research, engage in academic dialogue, and build connections with peers and professionals. This symposium adds significant value to the broader academic community by fostering collaboration and innovation among the next generation of researchers. The outcomes of the conference, including research papers and key insights, will be made publicly available through the Springle platform. Furthermore, the event incorporates additional components, such as proposal submissions, aimed at serving both academic associations and the host institution. Link
Simon Fraser University (Host Institution)
The 8th Annual Conference on Sustainable Cities and Landscapes will be hosted by the Faculty of Environment at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC, from June 17–19, 2025. This event will bring together 100–150 scholars and experts from around the world to exchange insights and ideas on urban sustainability. Vancouver offers participants a unique opportunity to explore its distinctive urban and planning features, while being surounded with natural features such as Grouse Mountain and the Burrard Inlet. The city also holds a deep cultural history, rooted in the Indigenous pedagogies which have long shaped British Columbia's landscapes and heritage.
Partners
This academic event is supported by multiple sectors such as the SFU Faculty of Environment, SFU VP Research and Innovation, the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) and the APRU.
For additional inquiries: Email scl_2025@sfu.ca