Ibagué connects the local with the world: how the Glocal Circular Economy Summit – NOVA NEXT SUMMIT is taking shape

The transition towards a circular economy is no longer a conceptual debate; it is a structural necessity for territories seeking competitiveness, resilience and real sustainability. That is the context in which the Glocal Circular Economy Summit – NOVA NEXT SUMMIT was born, an initiative that positions Ibagué as a regional and international epicentre for strategic dialogue on sustainability.

On 21, 22 and 23 April 2026, the city will be the stage where that vision turns into concrete action. Over three days it will bring together leaders from the public and private sectors, multilateral banks, international bodies, academia, entrepreneurs and decision-makers to advance the real implementation of circular economic models.

The Summit is organised by Ibagué Limpia, under the direction of Milton Restrepo and has the support of ANDESCO, the trade association taking the circular economy to another level, along with a broad network of strategic partners, institutional allies, binational chambers, European innovation platforms and players from the business and environmental ecosystem.

Under the principle of "local actions with a global vision", the Summit is designed as a multi-sector convening platform connecting governments, the private sector, multilateral banks, academia, international bodies, entrepreneurs and civil society.

In this setting, Global Zero Waste takes part as a Strategic Partner, joining the initiative from its experience in implementing the Global Zero Waste Standard, with an approach geared towards standardisation, measurement and technical verification. As part of this involvement, Sandra Pinzón, Founder & CEO of the organisation, will act as a judge for the Startup Europe Awards and will join a panel on success stories in circularity, contributing to the technical and international strength of the event.

From COP30 to Ibagué: a process that outlasts the event

The Summit did not appear as an isolated event. Its development began with the Pre-Summit held within COP30 in Belém (Amazonia), where the Manifesto of Mayors, Governors and Elected Officials for the Glocal Circular Economy was signed. That declaration consolidated territorial commitments on climate action and circular economy under ESG criteria, giving municipalities a voice in global climate governance forums.

Presenting the manifesto in COP30's Green Zone made it possible to strengthen international dialogue and open a concrete route for cooperation between territories, multilateral bodies and private players.

That milestone marks the start of a structural agenda that will continue in April 2026 in Ibagué, Colombia.

A summit designed to generate real impact

The main edition of the Glocal Summit will bring together more than 800 national and international attendees, with representation from more than 20 countries. Its real value, however, lies not only in the figures but in the strategic architecture of its agenda.

Over three days there will be a high-level academic programme with more than 30 panels and technical conferences, focused on multilateral financing, eco-circular free trade zones, open innovation, waste management, water, energy transition and regenerative territorial models.

In parallel, the trade exhibition and the Green Business Fair will open a concrete space for business networking, investment attraction and the creation of public-private partnerships. Strategic networking and institutional spaces will allow high-level conversations between decision-makers.

The Summit will also include the Ibagué Startup Europe Awards ceremony, driving applied innovation challenges in wastewater management, organic waste valorisation and Waste2PropTech solutions, cementing the city as a circular economy laboratory.

Ibagué: a territory turning its history into circular leadership

Ibagué is not an incidental host; it is a territory that has decided to lead the circular transition through action. It is set to become the first Eco-circular Free Trade Zone in the Americas and a municipal Living Lab in circular economy good practice. The department of Tolima is making pioneering headway in governance with its Regional Circular Economy Pact, strengthening its sustainable vocation in tourism, culture and agro-industry.

The Summit will take place in an emblematic spot in the city: the Panóptico Museum of Ibagué, a historic space that symbolises transformation, memory and territorial reinvention. That venue, which went from being a prison to becoming a cultural and architectural landmark, coherently embodies the spirit of the circular economy: turning traditional structures into regenerative models with purpose.

Holding the Summit in this strategic place brings not only heritage and symbolic value, but strengthens the event's central message: territories can reinvent themselves, innovate and lead sustainable development processes from their own identity.

More than sponsorship: strategic positioning

The Summit's sponsorship model is designed to align visibility with purpose. From Official Sponsors to thematic sponsorships, premium networking experiences and ESG activations, companies can associate their brand with a stage of technical, institutional and business leadership.

It is not only about brand presence, but about integration into a platform for territorial transformation.

Global Zero Waste: active commitment to the circular transition

At Global Zero Waste we are proud to take on our role as Strategic Partner of the Glocal Circular Economy Summit – NOVA NEXT SUMMIT.

Our participation reaffirms our commitment to implementing the Zero Waste model, material traceability, extended producer responsibility and the building of circular business ecosystems.

We believe sustainability has to translate into metrics, management and measurable results. That is why we support spaces that not only promote dialogue but produce a roadmap, institutional coordination and real opportunities for investment and innovation.

The circular economy is a systemic transformation, and this Summit is a turning point for the territories that decide to lead it.

Be part of the change

The Glocal Circular Economy Summit – NOVA NEXT SUMMIT will take place in April 2026 in Ibagué, Colombia.

If you are a business owner, institutional leader, investor, academic or entrepreneur committed to the sustainable transition, this is the place to connect with strategic players and build partnerships with impact.

Register here