April 14?15, 2025 | Montreal, Canada
We are pleased to present highlights from the second IURC-NA Thematic Networking Event, held in Montreal, Canada, in partnership with the 2025 Canadian Circularity Summit. This dynamic two-day event brought together urban leaders and experts from across North America and Europe to explore innovative solutions in waste management and the circular economy, with a special focus on food waste 和 construction and demolition waste.
The event created a collaborative space for knowledge exchange, cross-city learning, and professional networking, all in support of advancing sustainable urban renewal and enhancing social cohesion. As part of the broader IURC-NA programme, this initiative aligns with IURC-NA vision of building greener and more inclusive cities.
This dynamic event included discussions, knowledge exchanges, and field visits in the city of Montreal. In addition to these activities, participant IURC-NA cities had an opportunity to access the 2025 Canadian Circularity Summit.
In Collaboration With:
The IURC-NA team planned, developed, and coordinated the sessions and programme of events in collaboration with local partners in the City of Montreal 以及 Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
On Day 1, the gathering group of cities learned about Montreal?s approach, hearing from stakeholders in various sectors and reflection round table:
Key Takeaways:
- The diversity of circular work in various sectors and the engagement of the city and stakeholders impresses and inspired participants.
- The commitment of organizations to change behaviours and mindsets stood out.
- The leadership from elected officials and the Economic Development unit at the city is a difference maker.
During Day 2, participating IURC-NA cities had access to the Canadian Circular Economy Summit for multiple technical sessions and a Local Governments workshop with FCM, followed by a group session for conclusions and a reflection round table:
Key Takeaways:
- The engagement of businesses, governments non-government organisations to developing circular solutions inspired participants.
- The panel featuring local government and the workshop confirmed that local government have and appropriate and importan rolo to play and there is a lot to learn from one another.
- Cities can encourage innovations to be tested at smaller scale adapt approaches to fit their own circumstances: start small and mould on successes.
- Participants had a lot of ideas on how IURC can help cities progress with circular economy initiatives.
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