From 13 September to 30 October 2024, the fifth edition of the Regional Forum for Sustainable Development will take place, an annual event promoted by the Lombardy Region to foster dialogue on the transition towards a sustainable lifestyle model.
The Forum serves as an annual opportunity to take stock of the initiatives implemented under the Lombardy Protocol for Sustainable Development, which in its second edition (2023-2027) has involved over 60 entities, including public bodies and collective organisations, committed to engaging the region in achieving sustainable development goals. The signatories of the Protocol will actively collaborate with the Region in organising the various stages of the Forum, which will also serve as an opportunity to gather new memberships.

The central theme of this edition is the circular economy, a concept that cuts across various production sectors, from eco-design to waste management, promoting the conscious use of resources. The circular economy implies a cultural and behavioural shift, encouraging the creation of well-being while respecting the environment and people.

The Forum will be divided into four days, each held in a different Lombardy provincial capital, to explore the theme of circularity from various perspectives.
The calendar of events is as follows:

• Brescia, 13 September: "Lombardy: A Land of Enterprise and Work - The circular future of business". A focus on circular transition in businesses, with an analysis of the needs and opportunities offered by new production models.
• Varese, 20 September: "Lombardy: A Land of Knowledge - Circularity between research, innovation, and cultural change". A meeting dedicated to the contribution of science and culture to innovation and to promoting awareness and behavioural change.
• Sondrio, 4 October: "Lombardy: A Protagonist - The circular economy at the service of sustainable sport and tourism". An in-depth look at the themes of sustainable sport and tourism, sectors that can contribute to health, social cohesion, and well-being.
• Mantua, 11 October: "Lombardy Green - Agri-food: the opportunities of a circular model". A discussion on circularity in the agri-food supply chain, a sector that impacts not only nutrition but also air quality, renewable energy production, and local development.
• Milan, 30 October: Concluding day at Palazzo Lombardia. The results of the meetings will be presented in the Testori Auditorium, in dialogue with the Regional Government councillors, to outline how to transform ideas into policies, investments, and concrete initiatives.

Confindustria Lombardia, as a signatory of the Lombardy Protocol for Sustainable Development and co-organiser of the Forum, will actively participate in the four itinerant territorial stages and the final event on 30 October. The organisation will demonstrate its commitment, as well as that of the Lombardy territorial associations, to the themes of sustainability and the circular economy. Through the voices of distinguished representatives of the Lombardy production system, projects and best practices in circular economy and industrial symbiosis will be shared, deemed significant for the robustness and originality of the solutions adopted. These examples will also provide valuable insights to support the Lombardy Region in defining new support measures for Lombardy businesses.

The Forum will offer an important opportunity to strengthen the network of stakeholders active in sustainability in Lombardy, involving prominent national and international figures from businesses, the third sector, universities, and research, with a particular focus on young people.

To participate, you must register via the following link. Please select the event corresponding to the stage of interest and complete the form available at the bottom of the page.