The Circular Economy Hotspot community is launching an open call to find the next European host for 2026 and the first Asia-Australasia host for 2025, offering governments and organisations the ideal opportunity to highlight local circular practices, from business models and innovative industrial solutions to regional and national policies.

What's the concept?

This globetrotting event aims to highlight innovative circular economy practices. Its international and diverse outlook promotes an exchange of ideas and experiences between policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and captains of industry from the host country and beyond. Each host puts together a programme that highlights how their country or region is contributing to the transition towards a circular economy.

The Circular Economy Hotspot was first organised in the Netherlands in 2016. From there the concept travelled to Luxembourg, Scotland, Belgium, Catalonia, North Rhine Westphalia, and Dublin. This year the European Hotspot will be held in Wales, with global Hotspots taking place in three other continents: North America (Canada), South America (Brazil), and Africa (South Africa). 2025 Hotspot hosts have already been selected in Europe (Slovenia), Africa (Ethiopia) and North – Central America (Mexico), with an election for South America planned for later this year.

How can you apply?

National and regional governments and organisations from Europe and Asia-Australasia can submit applications up until 23:59 BST on 6 September 2024. The application form is available below and should be submitted via email to hotspotcymru@gov.wales. Shortlisting will be carried out by a small panel of Welsh Government representatives and previous CE Hotspot Event hosts, with all applicants notified of decisions by 16 September 2024.

The top two candidates for each continent will be invited to present their case on the afternoon of 7 October 2024 to a jury of former, current, and future CE hotspot organisers. Each candidate will have 10 minutes to put forward their case for hosting. Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to present to the panel either in person in Cardiff or virtually. Later that evening, the jury’s decision will be announced at the welcome reception of the Circular Economy Hotspot Cymru 2024.