Green DialoguesInternational Conference on Urban Green Management & Practice
October 8–9, 2026
Cyber City, Švitrigailos str. 36, Vilnius, Lithuania
Cyber City, Švitrigailos str. 36, Vilnius, Lithuania
The Green Dialogues Conference 2026, taking place on 8–9 October in Vilnius, will bring together municipal green space managers, arborists, urban planners, landscape architects, and sustainability professionals from across Europe to explore the future of urban trees and resilient green infrastructure. Hosted by the City of Vilnius – European Green Capital 2025 – the conference will address how cities can respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing environmental pressures through smarter and more sustainable urban green management.
This year’s programme puts urban trees at the heart of the discussion – from urban tree policy and long-term greenery management to the ecological, social, and economic value of a single tree. International experts will present innovative approaches to climate-resilient tree species, soil health, biodiversity, pruning and tree biomechanics, while showcasing practical solutions for integrating greener and healthier environments into the cities of the future.
Agenda
Speakers
Gary Grant
(United Kingdom)
Gary Grant is one of the leading voices in urban ecology and nature-based design. From the London 2012 Olympic Park to Education City in Qatar, the David Attenborough biodiverse green roof in Cambridge and UCL’s Wild Bloomsbury project, his work has helped turn green infrastructure from an idea into real urban impact. He has authored major guidance and books on green roofs, ecosystem services, water-sensitive cities and climate-conscious design.
Francesco Ferrini
(Italy)
Francesco Ferrini is a world-renowned expert in arboriculture and urban forestry, with over 30 years of academic experience. His work explores how urban trees respond to drought, stress, pollution and climate change - and how cities can use trees as living infrastructure. With more than 160 Scopus-indexed papers, hundreds of international lectures and major editorial and advisory roles, he is one of Europe’s most influential voices on the future of urban trees.
Laura Kairienė
(Lithuania)
Laura Kairienė is a city-shaper focused on balance: between growth and nature, data and design, people and long-term value. As Chief Architect, she works across institutions, communities and disciplines to create more inclusive, resilient and liveable urban environments. Her approach treats sustainability not as an add-on, but as a core design principle for cities that work better today - and tomorrow.
Maria Sutenius
(Finland)
Maria Sutenius is a graduate horticulturist, arborist and urban tree maintenance project manager working to protect Helsinki’s urban forest. She contributes to the city’s Urban Tree Policy, which aims to secure the vitality, value and ecosystem services of Helsinki’s trees through stronger cooperation across city departments.
Heidi Kiuru
(Finland)
Heidi Kiuru is a graduate horticulturist, Master of Natural Resources and green maintenance project manager in Helsinki. Her work focuses on giving felled urban trees a second life - from recycling systems to practical rules for using decayed wood safely in public spaces. In Helsinki, she helps turn what was once treated as waste into a resource for biodiversity, maintenance and urban sustainability.
Gerard Passola
(Spain)
Gerard Passola is a Spanish arborist specialising in tree risk assessment, biomechanics and urban tree preservation. Through Tree Investigation and Management, he studies how trees grow, adapt and sometimes fail - including unexpected branch breakage. His work helps professionals understand how pruning affects tree structure and how to prevent failures in healthy, solid branches.
Anton Nikitin
(Lithuania)
Anton Nikitin has spent the last decade helping Vilnius move towards a greener, more liveable future. Starting as the city’s Cycling Officer and later serving as Head of Mobility and Chief Engineer, he has shaped key policies on sustainable transport and urban development. As Chief Sustainability Officer, he now leads Vilnius’ systemic ESG transformation and its ambition to remain one of Europe’s best cities to live in.
Ieva Misiūnė
(Lithuania)
Ieva Misiūnė studies the relationship between people, landscapes and nature. Her research explores how public perceptions, land use and values connected to nature shape the way people engage with ecosystems and benefit from their services. Her work brings an important social dimension to green infrastructure, landscape management and urban sustainability.
Others
European cities present their practices on tree care, maintenance, plant supply and collaboration with citizens.
Practical Information
- Venue: Conference Hall, Cyber City, Švitrigailos Str. 36, Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Participation is free of charge.
- Travel and accommodation expenses must be covered by participants themselves.
- Please note that the conference will be conducted in English without translation.
- Detailed practical information (travel tips, hotel recommendations, info about study visits) will be provided to registered participants.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us at
We look forward to welcoming you to this milestone event!