The World Tunnel Congress 2025 took place in Stockholm, Sweden, bringing together over 3,000 delegates from across the globe. With more than 160 exhibitors and 500 technical papers presented, the congress reinforced its role as the leading international forum for underground construction.
The event was held under the theme “Tunnelling into a Sustainable Future” and placed strong emphasis on the role of underground infrastructure in delivering climate goals and supporting global development.
Highlights included keynote sessions, technical presentations, poster exhibitions and technical site visits, all designed to showcase the latest innovations in design, construction and materials.
One of the congress’s key themes was sustainability, with delegates exploring how underground projects can align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Low-carbon materials, energy-efficient tunnelling methods and advanced monitoring systems were prominent features of the discussions.
The event also highlighted the role of digital technologies, including real-time monitoring, artificial intelligence, and advanced modelling to improve project delivery and risk management.
Participants included engineers, contractors, academics and policymakers, providing a platform for international collaboration and the sharing of lessons learned from major projects worldwide.
The legacy of the congress continues through its published technical material, which provides ongoing learning resources for professionals in the field.
As the flagship event of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, the congress confirmed the importance of international cooperation in advancing underground engineering and ensuring a sustainable future for tunnelling.