The transition to a circular economy is no longer a conceptual debate; it is a structural necessity for territories seeking competitiveness, resilience and real sustainability. It is in this context that the Global Circular Economy Summit - NOVA NEXT SUMMIT, This initiative positions Ibagué as the regional and international epicenter of strategic dialogue on sustainability.
On April 21, 22 and 23, 2026, the city will be the stage where this vision will be translated into concrete action. For three days, it will bring together leaders from the public and private sectors, multilateral banks, international organizations, academia, entrepreneurs and decision makers to advance the real implementation of circular economic models.
The Summit is organized by Clean Ibagué, under the direction of Milton Restrepo and is supported by ANDESCO, the guild that is driving the circular economy to another level, in addition to a wide network of strategic partners, institutional allies, bi-national chambers, European innovation platforms and actors of the business and environmental ecosystem.
Under the principle of “local actions with a global vision”, the Summit is projected as a platform for multisectoral articulation that connects governments, the private sector, multilateral banks, academia, international organizations, entrepreneurs and civil society.
In this scenario, Global Zero Waste participates as a Strategic Partner, joining this initiative from its experience in the implementation of the Global Zero Waste Standard, with a focus on standardization, measurement and technical verification. Within the framework of this participation, Sandra Pinzón, Founder & CEO of the organization, will serve as a juror for the Startup Europe Awards and will be part of a panel on successful experiences in circularity, contributing to the strengthening of the technical and international component of the event.
From COP30 to Ibagué: a process that transcends the event
The Summit is not an isolated event. Its development began with the Pre-Summit held within the framework of COP30 in Belém (Amazon), where the Manifesto of Mayors, Governors and Elected Officials for the Glocal Circular Economy was signed. This declaration consolidated territorial commitments in climate action and circular economy under ESG criteria, positioning the voice of municipalities in global climate governance scenarios.
The presentation of the manifesto in the COP30 Green Zone strengthened international dialogue and opened a concrete path for cooperation between territories, multilateral organizations and private actors.
This milestone marks the beginning of a structural agenda that will continue in April 2026 in Ibagué, Colombia.
A summit designed to generate real impact
The central edition of the Glocal Summit will bring together more than 800 national and international attendees and will include representation from more than 20 countries. However, its true value lies not only in the numbers, but in the strategic architecture of its agenda.
During three days, a high-level academic program will be developed with more than 30 panels and technical conferences, focused on multilateral financing, eco-circular free zones, open innovation, waste management, water, energy transition and regenerative territorial models.
In parallel, the trade show and the Green Business Fair will open a concrete space for business relations, investment attraction and the generation of public-private alliances. Strategic networking and institutional spaces will allow for high-level conversations among decision makers.
The Summit will also include the ceremony of the Ibagué Startup Europe Awards, The city's innovation challenges applied to wastewater management, organic waste valorization and Waste2PropTech solutions, consolidating the city as a laboratory of circular economy.
Ibagué: a territory that transforms its history into circular leadership
Ibagué is not a circumstantial venue; it is a territory that has decided to lead the circular transition from action. It is projected as the first Ecocircular Free Trade Zone in America and as a municipal Living Lab in good circular economy practices. The department of Tolima advances in pioneering governance with its Regional Circular Economy Pact, strengthening its sustainable vocation in tourism, culture and agribusiness.
The Summit will be held in an emblematic place of the city: the Panopticon Museum of Ibagué, a historic space that symbolizes transformation, memory and territorial resignification. This scenario, which went from being an incarceration center to become a cultural and architectural reference, coherently represents the spirit of the circular economy: transforming traditional structures into regenerative models with purpose.
Holding the Summit in this strategic location not only adds heritage and symbolic value, but also strengthens the central message of the event: territories can reinvent themselves, innovate and lead sustainable development processes based on their own identity.
More than sponsorship: strategic positioning
The Summit sponsorship model is designed to align visibility with purpose. From Official Sponsorships to themed 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 also about integration into a platform for territorial transformation.
Global Zero Waste: active commitment to circular transition
Global Zero Waste is proud to assume our role as Strategic Partner of the Global Circular Economy Summit - NOVA NEXT SUMMIT.
Our participation reaffirms our commitment to the implementation of the Zero Waste model, traceability of materials, extended producer responsibility and the construction of circular business ecosystems.
We believe that sustainability must be translated into metrics, management and measurable results. For this reason, we accompany spaces that not only promote dialogue, but also generate roadmaps, institutional articulation and real opportunities for investment and innovation.
The circular economy is a systemic transformation, and this Summit represents a turning point for the territories that decide to lead it.
Be part of the change
The Global Circular Economy Summit - NOVA NEXT SUMMIT will be held in April 2026 in Ibagué, Colombia.
If you are a businessman, institutional leader, investor, academic or entrepreneur committed to sustainable transition, this is the space to connect with strategic actors and build impact alliances.
