METREX Spring conference in Helsinki
10-12 June 2026 , Helsinki metropolitan area
From Polycrisis to Multibenefits – Promoting Holistic Sustainability in Spatial Planning
Cover photo by Julia Kivelä
Rapidly growing metropolitan regions today are facing a polycrisis: sustainability challenges that occur simultaneously and are deeply interconnected.
The METREX Helsinki Conference explores how cities and metropolitan regions can move beyond crisis management towards generating solutions that deliver multiple benefits.
The METREX Helsinki Team, a shared METREX membership of three organisations from the Helsinki metropolitan area, is hosting the conference in Helsinki this summer.
While each organisation approaches regional development and planning from its own perspective, they are united by a shared ambition: to foster a Helsinki metropolitan area that is liveable, vibrant, and climate-resilient.
The conference provides a platform for shared learning and exchange on how different dimensions of sustainability can be addressed simultaneously in metropolitan development, while also offering participants an experiential introduction to the Helsinki metropolitan area and its most inspiring locations.
Particular attention is given to:
- Comprehensive and sustainable planning for growing cities and urban regions. We examine how urban growth can be aligned with rapid climate action, stronger biodiversity, and social sustainability.
- Regional-scale planning as a driver of sustainable transformation. We explore the trade-offs and tensions that inevitably arise when balancing environmental, social, and economic objectives.
- The role of knowledge and data. We consider how evidence can support holistic sustainability in planning and assessment and strengthen climate change adaptation and the resilience of metropolitan regions.
By bringing together planners, researchers, and practitioners, the conference offers a platform to share insights and best practices and to discuss current challenges. Together, we will deepen our understanding of holistic sustainability in urban planning and explore how well-considered choices can turn challenges into opportunities for more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban regions.
About the hosting region
Helsinki-Uusimaa is at the heart of Northern Europe and at the Baltic Sea. Including the capital city of Helsinki, the region is home to 1.8 million inhabitants, about a third of the entire population of Finland. The region is the driver of international competitiveness, research, and development in the country.
For a more in-depth knowledge, please visit the following websites:
Possible early evening pre-programme for early comers in the city centre.
Pre-registration required.
Main venue: Urban Environment Building, City of Helsinki
Address: Työpajankatu 8, 00580 HelsinkiCity of Helsinki
Expected schedule: 09:00 -16:00 working sessions | 17:00 – 21:00 social events
The first day of the conference is dedicated to the work of the METREX Expert and Network Groups. In the evening, the City of Helsinki kindly hosts a reception for conference participants at the beautiful City Hall by the Market Square. The reception is followed by an archipelago cruise, offering a maritime perspective on Helsinki and an introduction to its evolving waterfront areas.
Schedule
09:00 | Registration and Welcome Coffee
09:30 – 12:30 | Network- and Expert group meetings
Format: multiple rounds of parallel sessions open to the membership with short, spot-on presentations / Q&A / illustration of what the group’s work has produced so far and what the ambitions, plans, and objectives are for the future.
Preliminary structure to be confirmed:
9.30 – 11.00 Round 1 9:30 -12:30
METREX 2049: Foresight EG NORDIC BALTIC NETWORK
MAPPING METREX
ECONOMETREX 2.0
9.30 – 11.00 Round 2
EURODELTA ALLIANCE NG
METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE EG
FROM ROADS TO STREETS 2.0
SAH Sustainable & Affordable Housing EG
METROPOLITAN CLIMATE CHALLENGE EG
12:30 –12:45 | Launch of the New Expert Group ‘Spatial Planning for Circular Economy’
12:45 – 13:30 | Lunch break
During lunch, EGs /NGs gather by interest to finalise preparation for the afternoon workshops.
13:30 – 15:30 | Workshops
Interactive exchange between hosting partners and expert groups along the following themes:
The programme of the workshops will follow.
Free time
16.45 | Arrival at the Reception’s venue
Please note: Registration for the reception is required.
17:00-18:00 | RECEPTION (kindly offered by the City of Helsinki)
Venue: Empire Hall (by the Senate Square)
Address: Aleksanterinkatu 20, 00170 Helsinki
Walk to the pier (about 5 min)
18:30-21:00 | BOAT CRUISE, new seafront development areas
Meeting point: Meritullintori 6, 00170 Helsinki
End of the Day.
Main venue: Maijansali, Oodi Central Library
Address: Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki
Expected schedule: 09:00 -16:00 working sessions | 17:00 – 23:00 social events
The second day is the conference day and takes place at the iconic Oodi Central Library (https://oodihelsinki.fi/en/), located in the heart of Helsinki.
Internationally known for its architecture and its role as a civic meeting place, Oodi provides an inspiring setting for a full day of discussions on holistic sustainability.
After the conference sessions, participants are invited to unwind at Uunisaari (https://uunisaari.fi/en/), a small island just off the city centre. The evening begins with a traditional Finnish sauna experience (optional) and an opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea, before culminating in the conference dinner at Uunisaari Restaurant & Café
Schedule
9:00 | Registration and Welcome Coffee
9.30 | Official Opening
9:45 | Introduction to the Region and to the Theme by the hosts
Keynote Speakers
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch
13:30 – 15:45 | Case examples and Discussions
15:45 – 16:00 | Wrap-up and Close of the day
17:00 – 23:00 | Evening Program with Dinner and Sauna Option
Venue: Uunisaari Island
Address: Pohjoinen Uunisaari 2, 00140 Helsinki
https://www.uunisaari.fi/en/island-of-uunisaari/#saapuminen
Please note: Ferry to and from Uunisaari leaves non-stop between Kompassitori and Uunisaaren yhteysaluslaituri, last ferry to the mainland at 23.15.
17:00 – 20:00 | Pre-Dinner Chill Out with Sauna Option in Uunisaari Island
https://www.uunisaari.fi/sauna/
Sauna Instructions:
– Pre-registration is required/preferred.
– There are two separate saunas available. Each sauna has a maximum capacity of 15-20 persons at a time.
– Both saunas are booked for three-hour time slot to ensure that everyone who wishes to use the sauna has sufficient time to do so. (On average, one sauna session lasts approximately 30 –60min minutes per person.)
– Guests will wear a swimsuit (bring your own) in the sauna and in the showers. There is also an opportunity to swim in the sea.
Guests who prefer not to use the sauna are welcome to relax on the terrace or in the restaurant.
20:00 – 23:00 | Conference Dinner in Uunisaari Island
Please arrive at the Island by 19.45 for dinner.
https://www.uunisaari.fi/en/restaurant-cafe/
Last ferry to mainland: 23.15 from Uunisaaren yhteysaluslaituri to Kompassitori.
End of the Day.
Main venue: Urban Environment Building, City of Helsinki
Address: Työpajankatu 8, 00580 HelsinkiCity of Helsinki
Expected schedule: 09:00 -13:00 GA and working sessions | 13:00 – 15:30 excursions
The day opens with the METREX General Assembly, followed by a working lunch with a collective discussion on METREX’s future and closing remarks. Two optional excursions will close the day.
Schedule
09:00 – 11:00 | METREX General Assembly (Members only)
11:00 –13:00 | Working lunch (venue to be confirmed)
Collective discussion on the future of METREX, including an announcement marking the 30th anniversary, Wrap-up and closing.
Info will follow
13:00 – 15:30 | 2 Parallel Excursions
Option 1: City Tour (urban walk)
Option 2: Bus Tour (regional sightseeing)
(This second option includes a stop by the airport)
End of the Conference, but not the end of the Day!
Note: 12th June Helsinki Day! Lots of nice happenings around the city!
Link to the programme : https://helsinkipaiva.fi/en/
Helsinki Day is a city-wide festival for everyone!
Helsinki’s birthday is traditionally marked on 12 June, when the city is packed with a wide range of free-of-charge events organised by various local associations, companies, clubs, organisations and active residents. Helsinki Day has been celebrated since 1959.
The Helsinki Day programme includes big and small events, musical performances, the performing arts, guided tours, exhibitions, open doors, activities for kids and also fun for older people. Helsinki Day traditions include morning coffees with the mayor and the presentations of the City Slang Man and Woman of the Year, Sports Person of the Year and Helsinki Day Baby. Helsinki Day has become a major annual festival that residents eagerly look forward to and actively participate in.
For accommodation, the local hosts recommend the following easily accessible and sustainable hotels:
- Modern and charming:
Book at Hotel Helka by 10 May 2026 using the promo code METREX2026.
Prices are fixed, ranging from €120/night for a Smart Single Room to €160/night for a Comfort Double Room. - Comfortable:
All Nordic Scandic hotels near the Helsinki main railway station.
Book with the code CGRO to receive a 10% discount on the standard rate, subject to availability.
