The challenge
Riga had no dedicated, city-level network for circular economy and sustainability stakeholders. National associations existed, but none focused specifically on circularity at the urban level. Discussions around the Riga Circular Economy Action Plan showed strong interest, yet keeping a core network alive between meetings proved difficult. The Forum set out to turn strategic plans into coordinated collaboration that single organisations could not achieve on their own.
The format
Riga Energy Agency established the Latvian Circular Economy Forum as the backbone of a long-term stakeholder network: a recurring platform where policy and practice meet, exchange knowledge and collaborate. Planning ran a year ahead, mapping stakeholders, agreeing themes and co-organisers, and building a coordination group. The event modelled circular values, with sustainable travel, reusable lanyards and personal water bottles. Sessions spanned policy and financing, industrial symbiosis, circular construction, bioeconomy, textiles, social entrepreneurship, citizen engagement and circular lifestyles.
What changed
The first Forum took place on 5 November 2025 in Riga and was oversubscribed, drawing about 350 participants, more than twice the number expected. The room balanced private sector (43%), academia (18%), municipal institutions (18%), NGOs (13%) and state institutions (8%), with 107 speakers across 34 sessions. Feedback praised the substantive content, the cross-sector mix and the event's own circular practice, with a clear demand to run the Forum regularly.
What other cities can reuse
A recurring, well-curated forum can hold a circular network together between policy milestones. The strong demand to continue shows the value of a neutral, city-level platform where business, academia, municipalities and NGOs meet. Running the event itself on circular principles makes the message credible and tangible for everyone who attends.
