Hundreds of leaders, policymakers, public authorities, urban planners, developers, and other practitioners in the built environment have come together to explore sustainable urban development and the role of circularity in building resilient cities and communities.
The Circular Cities and Policy Summit, hosted by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) in partnership with Mexico City, is also focusing on government and municipal policy, exploring how it can drive a revolution in sustainability in the built environment. Dr Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Romano, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade for the Government of Mexico, formally opened the event.
Dr Gutiérrez said: “Mexico and Latin America’s green transition is real, and we have everything to be the protagonist in this sustainable transition. We believe in the power of collaboration, the power of innovation and the power of cross-sector dialogue to transform our lives across the region and the world.
“The global cement and concrete industry, with its net zero mission, is already a leader in progress and results.”
World-class experts, including sustainability leaders and industry, are taking part in key discussions, including speakers from globally renowned companies and organisations such as Amazon, United Nations, Gensler, Build Change, US Green Building Council, Urban Land Institute, OECD, and CEOs of some of the world’s leading building industry companies.
Alejandra Frausto Guerrero, Secretary of Tourism of Mexico City, said: “This administration is deeply committed to social justice, sustainability, and the development of more humane and resilient cities. Mexico City is proud to host this summit, which brings urgent and hopeful topics to the forefront.
“You will find a committed ally in building circular, inclusive, and vibrant cities.”
Fernando González, President of the GCCA, said: “As leaders of this essential global industry, we know the importance of the role our materials play in building sustainable and resilient communities – but that is only part of the built environment jigsaw. We need innovative, sustainable design, modern construction, effective waste management, cleaner energy and smarter policies all working together – and that is why we brought together all the key players for this exciting summit.“
The summit runs alongside the GCCA global industry gathering and includes key policy dialogue and case studies exploring key themes around Circularity and the Built Environment; Energy and Materials; Nature Based Solutions (NBS); and Policy and Futures Perspective to mitigate climate change. The summit is also examining the necessary action to adapt to a changing climate to ensure greater resilience across the built environment.
Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA, said: ”We see a world where policies and partnerships can unleash the power of circularity within the built environment to deliver sustainable and resilient cities and communities right across our planet. We are pleased to have this key global event in Mexico City.
“We are making progress, but we can do more with the right partnerships and policies in place, and Mexico City is showing what is possible.”
