It was exciting to participate at the Presidential Roundtable meetings of the Circular Cities Network (CCN) that took place between 24 and 26 June 2024 in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The meetings were attended by the leaderships of the founding organizations comprising of:
- the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP),
- the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO),
- the International Union of Architects (UIA),
- the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA),
- the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH),
- the International Society for Urban Health (ISUH),
- the Society of Sustainability and Green Materials (SSGM), and
- the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN).
WFEO was represented by my humble self and Dr. Nahla Ahmad Al-Qassimi, member of the WFEO Executive Council and Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering at Ajman University, UAE.
The meeting discussed Roadmap and organizational structure of the CCN as well as on ways to achieve the objectives of the Network some of which are:
- Reduction of toxic emissions,
- Decarbonize the cities and territories,
- Promote actions towards circular economy,
- Enhance energy efficiency in the built environment,
- Promote effective use and reuse of water,
- Define smarter policies for waste management, etc.
Furthermore, the meeting discussed the progress so far, in planning for Circular Cities Summit CCS2.0 coming up in Dubai on 11 and 12 September 2024 where H.E. Eng. Dr. Ali Al-Jassim, the President of the CCN and Damian Tang, the Coordinator of the CCS2.0 briefed members on the level of preparedness for members to provide solutions to existing challenges and suggest ways forward towards a successful Summit.
Participants were invited to a tour of the KNAUF Insulation – sponsor of the meeting – manufacturing facilities as well as the DGND Platinum Award winning cutting-edge Experience Centre in Ljubljana.
Report by WFEO President Mustafa Shehu.
For more information:
Circular Cities Summit CCS2.0 website
JUL
2024