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Sectors: Bioeconomy Waste management Food (chain/systems) Construction and buildings

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

Updated on 12.04.2024

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. They influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. Members and team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability.

Target audience: Business, Municipal/city/local authorities, Civil society
Countries: European Union
Partner(s) email address: iclei-europe@iclei.org

Activities on circular economy

ICLEI has a wide array of experts in the field of circular economy that offer training and technical assistance to local and regional governments, while representing them in European and global policy processes in order to:

  • Support local governments identify and employ the full range of levers at their disposal to promote the transition to a circular economy.
  • Input into the development of local Circular Economic Action Plans, and the implementation of Circular Systemic Solutions
  • Ensure the circular transition is understood and positioned within an effective European multi-level governance dialogue.

In addition, ICLEI is actively involved and engaged in a number of strategic frameworks and initiatives, including various CCRI Associated Partners:

  • European Circular Cities Declaration (CCD) – launched by ICLEI in 2020, in collaboration with a wide range of European stakeholders, including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the EIB, EESC, Eurocities, Circle Economy, Metabolic, CSCP and others. This invites cities and regions to sign up to 10 commitments designed to promote the transition to a circular economy. So far 75 city and regional administrations have signed the Declaration.
  • European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) – a joint initiative by the European Commission and the European economic and Social Committee (EESC), designed to promote exchange between circular economy stakeholders. ICLEI sits on the Coordination Group for the platform, and takes part in two of the Leadership Groups (on Cities and Regions, and on Circular Procurement).
Target territory
Territories involved

large 500 000-200 000, medium 200 000-50 000, and small cities 50 000-5 000

predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region