A ‘historic moment’ – MoU agreement a sign of unprecedented collaboration among four global organisations

Singapore host discussions on innovative sustainable practices at the Circular Cities Summit 1.0

Mr Damian Tang,
Organising Chair

THE Circular Cities Summit 1.0 was opened on 14th November 2023 by Mr Damian Tang , the Organising Chair of the Circular Cities Summit. The event seeked to promote a universal dialogue on circular economy and sustainable urban solutions. Themed “Game-Changing Innovations for Future Cities,” the summit aimed to explore groundbreaking strategies for achieving sustainability and circularity in the built environment. Mr Tang in his message to participants said it is a Global Imperative’ for circular economies to decouple growth from resource depletion, making them a cornerstone of sustainable development goals. He hoped that the summit will be the cradle of a movement that propels circular principles from theory into practice.

The two-day inaugural summit was organised by ISOCARP – International Society of City and Regional Planners, International Federation of Landscape Architects, and World Federation of Engineering Organizations, with participation from Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA) and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Singapore. It was held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre and serves as a global platform for leaders and practitioners, fostering discussions on innovative approaches and best practices in the circular economy and sustainable urban solutions. With an expected attendance of 800-1000 delegates, the summit is power-packed with keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, innovation launches, and networking opportunities. Post-streaming initiatives are projected to reach 30,000-50,000 audiences worldwide via diverse media platforms.

The mission and vision of the Circular Cities Summit 1.0 align to achieve a zero-waste zero-carbon city is crucial in the fight against climate change. We are facing the reality of a warming planet, and urgent action is needed to reduce our carbon footprint and waste generation. A sustainable city that prioritizes the well-being of the planet and future generations is the way forward. It requires collaboration and accountability from professionals in every sector, as we work towards a common goal of eliminating waste and carbon emissions in every aspect of urban life. Building a zero-waste zero-carbon city is not only necessary, but it’s also a collective responsibility that we must take seriously for the betterment of our planet.

ROUND-UP STATEMENT issued by Circular Cities Summit
The summit, graced by distinguished speakers and professionals from various disciplines, conducted a comprehensive analysis and discussion of global challenges related to circular cities. Urgent action was declared necessary, emphasizing immediate collaboration between the public and private sectors and civil society to implement specific measures addressing the following points:

1. Reduce toxic emissions

2. Decarbonize cities and territories

3. Promote actions toward a circular economy

4. Enhance energy efficiency in the built environment

5. Achieve a balance between the built and natural environment

6. Redevelop cities and territories with more efficient and integrated solutions

7. Define smarter policies for waste management

8. Promote the effective use and reuse of water

9. Seek holistic solutions for creating a better habitat

10. Foster research on circularity and disseminate successful practices

To implement these actions, it was concluded that creating a short, medium, and long-term roadmap involving society as a whole is essential. There is a commitment to continue the celebration of the Circular Cities Summit next year in 2024.

Circular Economy Action Plan Genesis
The Circular Economy Action Plan has become a vital component of the European Green Deal as the European Union (EU) recognizes the potential it holds for its cities, where 75% of the population lives. Its objective is to encourage circular economy practices, promote sustainable consumption, and ensure that resources remain within the EU’s economy for as long as possible. Furthermore, the plan has identified key sectors such as electronics and ICT, plastics, textiles, construction and buildings, water and nutrients, and food that possess the greatest potential for circularity.

To know more about the summit, Click Here.