Event

Impulses on the path to accelerating sustainability in business

Business Spirit News reporting — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:49:24 +0000

Impulses on the path to accelerating sustainability in business

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Business Sustainability

Event

Sustainable Development Goals

Topic

Business Sustainability

Europe's largest B2B annual event for sustainable transformation, the IMPACT FESTIVAL, is returning for its third edition on 13 and 14 September in Germany with top-class speakers to provide visitors with inspiration, knowledge and concrete solutions for embracing a sustainable economy.

The two-day event will present keynote speeches, panel discussions, start-up pitches and performances on three main stages focusing on the six innovation areas derived from the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speakers will include Dr Med. Eckart von Hirschhausen, delivering a keynote on "Healthy Earth - Healthy People. What we can now achieve with assets - and what it costs us to do nothing".

Sustainability expert Maja Göpel will discuss the meaning of value in the 21st century, while Godo Röben, former managing director of vegan food production company Rügenwalder Mühle will share his vision on the future of food.

The IMPACT FESTIVAL offers knowledge exchange, networking and inspiration to innovators to embrace sustainability.

Visitors can also expect networking sessions, the next edition of the IMPACT AWARD, music performances, and how an artist will create a live art object from banners and signs used in the previous two IMPACT FESTIVALs.

Different tickets are available for students, businesses and investors to join the event.

The event first took place in 2021 and has grown into a movement that offers opportunities and content all year round as a platform for key stakeholders of the sustainable transformation to network and exchange ideas.

The IMPACT FESTIVAL is a project of the neosfer GmbH, an early-stage investor and innovation unit of Commerzbank Group that investigates future technologies relevant to business and society while promoting and developing sustainable and digital solutions.

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June 2023

Bringing a four-day celebration of the Circular Economy to Ireland

Bronagh Loughlin — Thu, 18 May 2023 11:26:16 +0000

Bringing a four-day celebration of the Circular Economy to Ireland

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Circular Economy

Ireland

Topic

Circular Economy

For the first time, Dublin is hosting the Circular Economy Hotspot on 29th May-1st June, placing Ireland’s capital in the epicentre of European Circularity.

The application for Dublin to host this prestigious international event is a result of the close collaboration of strategic partners led by The Rediscovery Centre with the Department of the Environment, Dublin City Council, the Eastern & Midlands Regional Waste Management Planning Office (EMRWMP), and CIRCULÉIRE.

“The Circular Economy Hotspot is an opportunity to bring together some of the best minds, thinkers and activists around circular economy and social economy,”

says Mary Mac Sweeney, Executive Manager Acting of Culture, Recreation and Economic Services, Dublin City Council.

The Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 event will take place on 29th May- 1st June 2023.

The event provides a great chance to learn from, network with, and be inspired by the very best actors working in this field.

Attendees can learn about the practical steps and resources to take home and implement through conference talks, tours, workshops, and topic deep-dives.

The event brings together policymakers, entrepreneurs, pioneers, researchers, students, industry, and citizens from Ireland and further afield.

It is a time to highlight ground-breaking circular economic initiatives, best practices, and innovation, with each host country putting together a programme showcasing how their country or region contributes to the transition towards a circular economy.

This year the Hotspot will establish a global dimension as two other global regions are also participating as hosts: Lagos, Nigeria and Santiago, Chile.

Speaking on the areas that will be explored, Dr Sarah Miller, CEO at the Rediscovery Centre, shares: “Dublin is home to some of the world’s greatest circular economy leaders and innovations.

As a host of Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023, the city will showcase circular economy progress made in design and manufacturing, food systems and the bioeconomy alongside social enterprise activity.”

Dr Sarah Miller, CEO at the Rediscovery Centre

She adds: “Tackling Dublin’s housing crisis through circular solutions will also be explored, going beyond green building materials to look into additional benefits that can be designed into our city to improve well-being and encourage carbon-positive lifestyles.

The Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin is a cross-sectoral and public engagement event, providing the perfect platform to present the circular economy as a positive framework for the city to demonstrate adaptation and growth within planetary boundaries.”

Dublin will not only represent Irish circular economic innovation in 2023 but become a focal point of circularity across Europe while building on the momentum of recent developments, harnessing the cultural influences that are unique to the city.

Dr Joanne Rourke, Resource Efficiency Officer, EMRWMP, shares: “What we’re hoping to do is to build on the momentum of earlier Hotspots in other capital cities, but also to build on the momentum that is happening now in Ireland.

We envision the Hotspot will act as a spark to start the circular economy fire.”

Now in its seventh year, the Circular Economy Hotspot initiative has become a flagship event on the calendar for many leaders and experts across industries and policy.

The Netherlands first organised it in 2016, and the event has spread much further since to Catalonia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and Scotland.

Dublin city balances a local village feel with the buzz of a vibrant and modern capital city at the heart of European life. Since 2020, Ireland and its capital have witnessed a significant drive to share knowledge, invest, and foster the circular economy.

Irish support for European initiatives also remains amongst the highest in the EU.

As a capital city, Dublin can showcase the impact of these recent flagship circular economy policy funds and measures led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC).

Dr Geraldine Brennan, CIRCULÉIRE’s Lead and Head of Circular Economy at Irish Manufacturing Research, remarks:

“Ireland is ripe for innovation, and a lot of circular economy excitement is bubbling up.

What is genuinely exciting about this year to Dublin is the fact that over the last number of years, Ireland has pivoted towards embracing the circular economy as an economic development model.”

Dr Geraldine Brennan, CIRCULÉIRE’s Lead and Head of Circular Economy at Irish Manufacturing Research

The opportunity to host the Circular Economy Hotspot is a value-based partnership as Dublin has a lot to offer as a host, and equally, the event has a great deal to bring Ireland in turn.

The event will bring global visibility to circular economic initiatives here in Ireland and establish global opportunities for Dublin.

It will also pay homage to the strengths Ireland has to offer the circular economic community.

Ultimately, the Hotspot will bring the circular economy to life, making it part of the day-to-day lives of citizens and event attendees from the public sector, policymakers, industry, and start-ups alike.

This content is originally published in the Circular Economy in Action special edition of the Profit with Purpose Magazine.

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May 2023

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Europe's largest business event for sustainable transformation is back for its third edition

Business Spirit News reporting — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 14:36:05 +0000

Europe's largest business event for sustainable transformation is back for its third edition

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Sustainability solution providers, users and investors are coming together for networking and knowledge exchange.

The IMPACT FESTIVAL offers targeted networking and knowledge exchange for start-ups, investors and companies to accelerate sustainability innovation on 13-14 September 2023 in Germany.

For the third annual event, organisers aim to highlight innovative solutions provided by start-ups and scale-ups that can contribute to sustainable development and economic growth.

“We offer companies the opportunity to be at the forefront of current developments, learn about the latest innovations, and take away concrete starting points for their own business,"

said Co-Lead, Linda Köpper about the focus of this year’s event.

Attendees will have the chance to visit an extensive exhibition area and connect with innovators while learning about specific application possibilities.

Linda Köpper, Co-Lead of IMPACT FESTIVAL, the biggest B2B sustainability event in Europe.

Talks, discussions and workshops will take place, including experts, visionary innovators and practitioners from related fields such as sustainable finance, circular economy, clean tech and more.

Maria Steinbrenner, the other Co-Lead of the event, highlighted:

“This year, more than ever, we want to focus on companies that are looking for concrete solutions and best practices for their challenges or want to network and position themselves in the field of sustainable transformation.”

IMPACT FESTIVAL provides opportunities for enterprises to directly promote their sustainable products and services to potential clients, users and investors to advance their business ambitions further.

IMPACT AWARD winners in 2022 received recognition and supports. Image: IMPACT FESTIVAL

The IMPACT AWARD will be awarded to European start-ups addressing the most pressing societal challenges through sustainable technology and innovation.

This two-day annual event first took place in September 2021 and has grown from strength to strength ever since developing an extensive all-year-round supporting program, including IMPACT WEEK, webinars, podcasts and an online magazine.

The registration of interest to purchase tickets is available on the event`s website.

IMPACT FESTIVAL is a project of the neosfer GmbH, the early-stage investor and innovation unit of Commerzbank Group, aiming to accelerate sustainable transformation.

Its purpose is to investigate future technologies relevant to business and society while promoting and developing sustainable digital solutions.

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January 2023

State of the world investigated at global sustainability event

Business Spirit News reporting — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 11:44:48 +0000

State of the world investigated at global sustainability event

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“Society has an illness, which is over analysing everything," said leading environmentalist Professor Gunter Pauli at global sustainability event opening.

The opening of the Planetiers World Gathering (PWG) has kicked off with a passionate speech by Sérgio Ribeiro, Co-founder of this leading global sustainability event, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, between 24-26 October.

Addressing attendees, Ribeiro highlighted the urgent need for finding a balance across the world's environmental, social and economic sectors and dedicating this summit to inspire action on pressing challenges of our time.

“So many amazing speakers and participants have come to Lisbon this year, amidst such difficult conditions.

They believe in the power of cooperation and the importance of cooperation to achieve the goals of an effective sustainable transition."

Sérgio Ribeiro, Co-founder of the Planetiers World Gathering; Image: Planetiers

Topics covered during the first day included the current energy crisis, the impact of the pandemic, and the growing global social, environmental and economic instability, among others.

Professor Gunter Pauli, entrepreneur and author of The Book Economy book, also took the stage and enthusiastically expressed his views on moving forward, learning from nature and nurturing talents, so they dare to seek knowledge and use it for good.

“Society has an illness, which is over analysing everything. When your house is on fire, you do not go and start writing a strategic plan,”

Prof. Pauli referred to the pledges of becoming net-zero by 2050, which will come too late in his opinion.

Professor Gunter Pauli pointed out that we have no time to waste to act at Planetiers World Gathering 2022; Image: Planetiers

He also shared eye-opening examples occurring in nature that we can take inspiration from to design innovative sustainable solutions.

One of them was the case of dolphins using water bubbles for hunting without harming female fish carrying eggs since they are too heavy to be forced to the surface by the bubbles.

He pointed out that this method can help us find ways for sustainable fishing in a way that would not risk the regeneration of fish species.

A forum on the day focused on the role of the United Nations in building a new global development model, the roadmap for humanity, and the strategies to ensure peace to mark the celebration of the 77th anniversary of the UN.

On Tuesday, October 25th, the event continues with more leaders sharing insights, such as Satya Tripathi, Secretary-General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet and Ali Tabrizi, Director of Seaspiracy documentary.

Green Tourism, Sportainability, and Techceleration for Sustainability will also be among the topics explored at PWG on the second day.

The Planetiers World Gathering was founded in 2020 and has become a leading global sustainability-focused innovation event, bringing together key stakeholders in climate action and innovation from across the globe.

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October 2022

Leading global sustainability summit returns to Lisbon

Business Spirit News reporting — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:12:47 +0000

Leading global sustainability summit returns to Lisbon

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Conference

Sustainable Development Goals

Innovation

Social Innovation

Portugal

Topic

Sustainable Development Goals

Event

Lisbon

Climate Innovation

Changemakers and impact innovators from every corner of the world to meet in Lisbon.

The Planetiers World Gathering is back as an in-person and online event to bring together changemakers and impact innovators from every corner of the world to meet in Lisbon, Portugal, on 22-26 October.

The focus of this global event is to put sustainability and regeneration in the spotlight, showcasing green and inclusive innovations while elevating impact innovators and igniting system-level change.

Sérgio Ribeiro, CEO and Co-Founder of Planetiers and Co-Founder of Planetiers World Gathering, describes “Planetiers to be the ones who do not just break the system but transform it and make it better, fair and sustainable”.

“Planetiers acts as a call to mobilise companies, government organisations and civil/political decision-makers in the battle to build a sustainable planet for generations to come.”

The summit will be held at the Parque Eduardo VII and Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, Lisbon, focusing on topics such as ecology, climate change, health, poverty, education and peace.

Planetiers World Gathering 2022 edition brings together impact innovators and stakeholders to achive the Sustainable Development Goals. Image: Planetiers

With over 30,000 people from 90 countries expected to attend the event in person and online, it aims to bring together a diverse range of speakers and attendees, driven by the notion of contributing to a sustainable and inclusive transition.

Speakers include Chris Kroll, Founder & CEO of Ecosia and World Fund Investor, David Simas, President of the Obama Foundation and Ursula von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, among others.

The event's ultimate goal is to help changemakers connect and highlight long-term sustainable solutions amid the impending climate crisis and accelerate a system transformation that can enable us to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Sérgio Ribeiro, CEO and Co-Founder of Planetiers and Co-Founder of Planetiers World Gathering. Image: Planetiers

“We’ve seen people joining this movement and claiming they are “Planetiers” mainly because they have found a community that brings a constructive narrative of cooperation and hope,” adds Sérgio.

Discussions will highlight the sustainability challenges of our time and raise awareness of the need for long-term solutions to counteract pressing global issues.

Sessions will cover a diverse range of topics, such as Cities for the future, Ocean Innovation, Inclusive green tourism and Sustainable investment and finance.

Showcasing the latest in sustainable technologies, innovative businesses and governance models, the 2022 Planetiers World Gathering will be bolstered by partnerships with several high-profile organisations, such as the European Commission, Tourism of Portugal and Lisbon Municipality.

Various ticket options are available, from daily tickets to all-inclusive access to match attendee’s interests.

Besides the conference program, there will be exhibition areas and interactive workshop sessions.

Planetiers was launched in 2017 as an online platform, and since it has become a leading event, a momentum, and even a symbol for people believing we still have a fighting chance to create a society that works for people and all other creatures on Earth.

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October 2022

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Innovation and sustainability trends showcased in Dublin

Business Spirit News reporting — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:50:05 +0000

Innovation and sustainability trends showcased in Dublin

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Event to connect Innovation, Sustainability and Technology in Ireland.

The Furthr Festival will present game-changing innovations, future technology, and business opportunities in sustainability on Friday, 21st October, at the Convention Centre in Dublin, Ireland.

The event, previously known as Futurescope, comes under a new name and branding but with the same passion for bringing together business leaders for a day of inspiration, learning and networking.

Attendees can explore topics across five main stages focusing on Insights, Innovation, Sustainability, Transformation and Investment with more than 100 high-profile international and Irish speakers.

Keynote speeches include topics like Guardians of the Future, presented by Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and Think global: Move quickly, delivered by Michael Culligan, CEO at Furthr.

The event is best suited for innovators and innovation seekers looking for trends, insights, ideas and connections to take their businesses to the next level.

One of the highlighted sessions will be the One2Whatch startup competition, where pre-selected innovators will pitch for the ten thousand Euro cash prize and become crowned winners as the most promising startup.

With an expected attendee number of around 1600, this is the ultimate meeting point for business leaders striving to be at the forefront of change, unlocking market opportunities.

Additional highlights of the conference include the Future Tech Arcade, The Innovation Exchange, panel rooms, an exhibition area and plenty of networking opportunities during lunch and the after-event drink reception.

One2Whatch startup competition at Furthr Festival with 10K prize money. Image: Furthr

A particular emphasis will be on facilitating collaboration opportunities between diverse stakeholders such as startups and scaleups, investors and academia.

Tickets are available on the event’s webpage.

Furthr, formerly Dublin Business Innovation Centre, has accelerated funds and connections for Irish startups since 1988, empowering entrepreneurs to advance their ambitions.

Over the years, Furthr has helped Ireland’s innovative startup founders to raise a total of €500+ million.

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October 2022

Innovative sustainability startups to meet in Germany

Business Spirit News reporting — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 14:40:37 +0000

Innovative sustainability startups to meet in Germany

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Europe's largest B2B fair for sustainable innovations takes place in Germany for the second time.

With seven innovation areas and approximately 2,500 visitors, IMPACT FESTIVAL is returning on 5-6 October in Offenbach, Germany, to discover the latest trends and innovations in the field of sustainability, and discuss the digital and sustainable transformation.

More than 170 startups will present their solutions at the exhibition area, and over 100 investors will be present to scout the market for best-in-class projects.

Around one hundred expert speakers will share their thoughts on why and how the business sector must rethink existing strategies and practices in light of climate change. Speakers include Anna Christmann, Member of the German Bundestag, Beth Thoren, Director of Environmental Action, EMEA at Patagonia, and Wolfgang Gründinger, Chief Evangelist at Enpal.

Attendees can choose from fifty master classes with a deep dive in fields like clean tech, resource efficiency, data management or sustainable finance.

"We are thrilled to host the second edition of IMPACT FESTIVAL and to have more than 100 speakers on stage with more than 170+ of Europe's most promising sustainable innovations.

We look forward to connecting thought leaders, innovators, investors and corporates and accelerating the green transformation of businesses and our entire economy,"

said Mara Steinbrenner and Linda Köpper, lead organisers of IMPACT FESTIVAL, in a joint statement.

The IMPACT Award celebrates and honours European startups that tackle current social challenges by using technology and innovation.

The IMPACT Award ceremony will also be part of the program on the first day's evening.

The award celebrates and honours European startups that tackle current social challenges with the help of sustainable technologies and innovations.

Nominees are listed in different categories, such as Education & Social Innovation, Hardware Solutions and Platform & Software (SaaS) Solutions.

In addition, enterprises will have the chance to win the votes of participants to take home the Audience Award.

As a hybrid event, people can attend in person and online. Day tickets and further information are available on the event’s website.

The IMPACT FESTIVAL collaborates with ClimateSeed, a company running decarbonisation projects, to ensure that the CO2 emission and waste associated with the event is as little as possible.

To achieve this goal, they offer exclusively vegan catering with reusable containers, use FairCup with no plastic bottles, and cooperate with service providers to align their operations.

In addition to the annual two-day event, the project also provides a platform that connects key stakeholders from the sustainability ecosystem to network and exchange ideas all year round.

The IMPACT FESTIVAL is a project of the early-stage investor and innovation unit of Commerzbank Group, which investigates future technologies relevant to business and society while promoting and developing sustainable and digital solutions.

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October 2022

Celebrating social and circular enterprises in Dublin

Business Spirit News reporting — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 12:15:49 +0000

Celebrating social and circular enterprises in Dublin

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Social Entrepreneurship

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A new initiative led by Dublin City Council aims to shine a light on social enterprises and circular economy players.

The SoCircular event will take place in Dublin on 5th October to bring together social and circular enterprises and other stakeholders to connect, learn and build connections.

This new initiative is driven by Dublin City Council in collaboration with strategic partners from various sectors and will be hosted at a prime venue, The Mansion House.

The event aims to facilitate the transformation of Dublin's economic ecosystem to become more resilient and competitive by better integrating enterprises and innovators with strong sustainability and social values.

Organisers will provide a forum for discussions, exchanging ideas and gaining insights while showcasing exhibitors and cultural programs.

Besides networking and learning, the goal is to encourage businesses, organisations and government departments to buy from these organisations to empower this sector's growth.

“This event will raise awareness of these innovative enterprises.

Buying from them will bring about many benefits, such as shorter supply chains, creating resilient local employment, improving social and environmental impacts, and supporting fairer, greener and thriving communities,”

says Mary MacSweeney, Deputy Head of Economic Development and Enterprise.

Mary MacSweeney, Deputy Head of Economic Development and Enterprise highlights the importance of integrating social and circular enterprises into supply chains.

Pointing out the role of businesses and government in strengthening social and circular enterprises is one of the core messages of the event.

Buying from these companies could add to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and department strategies while helping them raise their profile by walking the talk and filling slogans with actions.

At the event, participants can meet with innovative entrepreneurs embracing sustainability and circular economy in their business model and join panel discussions to learn more insights about available supports and key players.

Attendees can find the detailed program and register online free of charge.

Cultural performances and a trade expo with more than 50 local social and circular enterprises will allow people to connect and network.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, expressed how much social and circular enterprises can help counteract the impact of environmental and economic crises.

Another element of the program is to raise awareness about how socially driven businesses can address environmental challenges and, the other way around, how environmentally focused projects can easily solve social problems.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, emphasised the importance of this sector in helping the city fight upcoming challenges associated with the impacts of climate change and economic crises.

The event is being hosted as part Dublin's involvement in the European Social Economy Regions project of the European Commission.

Various stakeholders and organisations have rallied behind this initiative, including the Department of Rural and Community Development, CRNI, EMWR, Dublin Place Brand, Social Enterprise Dublin, and Dublin Regional Skills Forum, among others.

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October 2022

Festival to bring together Berliners for Green Cities

Business Spirit News reporting — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 10:10:39 +0000

Festival to bring together Berliners for Green Cities

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Two days for entrepreneurs and citizens in Berlin to discuss and discover impactful solutions for green cities.

The third edition of the Zero Waste Berlin Festival takes place from the 16-17th of September at Engelnest, Berlin, to present impactful solutions for green minds.

The two-day event aims to bring together entrepreneurs and citizens to discuss and discover new solutions to build sustainable and zero waste cities.

Topics covered by over 60 speakers focus on the main aspects of creating future cities, such as sustainable food systems and urban lifestyle, mobility and technology, among others.

“We want to create a space where entrepreneurs, companies and people can meet, learn from each other and find resources – Berlin is the perfect place for it,”

says Coral Ruz, Founder of the Zero Waste Berlin Festival.

On the first day, entrepreneurs, companies, institutions and investors will gather to connect and exchange ideas helping the shift to make cities more sustainable.

Coral Ruz, Founder of the Zero Waste Berlin Festival, has started an international zero waste community in Belrin in 2019.

Keynote speaker of the event, Kilian Kaminkski, co-founder of Refurbed, the fastest growing online marketplace for refurbished products, will address attendees with a presentation focusing on why „The future is Circular Economy’.

The second day will focus on citizen engagement in transforming cities and zero waste movements.

Participants can attend conferences, and masterclasses, meet with brands, enjoy an immersive networking experience with the Green Networking Party and meet with local artists thanks to the collaboration with the Berlin Music Commission.

Zero Waste Berlin Festival 2021; Image: Ana Torres

“In curating this year’s programme, our aspiration has been to highlight inspiring and solution-oriented projects across the private, public, and civic sectors,”

shared Therese Sivertsson, Program Manager of the festival.

Speakers include Franziska Voß from BSR, Frieder Söling from Noch Mall, Ana Milhazes from Zero Waste Portugal and many more.

The day will close with Positive Planet Kino; a full program of short films and documentaries addressing the future of the planet with a positive approach.

Tickets and the entire program are available on the event’s website.

The first edition of the Zero Waste Berlin Festival was launched in 2019 as a passion project of founder Coral Ruz and has grown into an international movement ever since, reaching more than 40,000 people.

Headline image: Ana Torres

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September 2022

Building the largest community of 'City Changers'

Business Spirit News reporting — Fri, 27 May 2022 12:47:24 +0000

Building the largest community of 'City Changers'

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Gerald-Babel Sutter, Founder of Urban Future, the largest gathering for ‘City Changers’ shares how to bring together thinkers and doers to shape our cities.

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May 2022