Rose-Aurore LU…
Tue, 15/04/2025 – 14:28
Motagua Circular Forum aims to be a catalyst for change in the Motagua River Basin, where circular economy, European investment and collaborative governance build bridges towards a sustainable future. Companies from the water and waste management sectors are invited to be part of this initiative and express their interest in participating in the forum to pitch their solutions in Guatemala.
Background
The Motagua River Basin, a vital artery for Guatemala and the Central American region, is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis. Pollution from solid waste and untreated wastewater has reached critical levels, threatening biodiversity, public health and the socio-economic stability of surrounding communities. This pressing challenge demands an urgent and coordinated response that transcends borders and sectors. In alignment with the commitments made during the 2023 EU–CELAC Summit, the European Union, its Member States and the Government of Guatemala have prioritised the restoration of the Motagua as a strategic pillar of bi-regional cooperation. This effort is framed within the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, an EU initiative fostering sustainable investments and innovative partnerships with a view to addressing global challenges, including the transition towards a circular economy.
The Forum
The Motagua Circular Forum aspires to become a platform for forging key connections between participants and European investors, encouraging strategic alliances and promoting dialogue among governments, the private sector, development partners, financial institutions, academia and civil society. This space for collective action reflects a shared vision for the recovery of the Motagua as an opportunity to strengthen EU–Central America relations, advancing synergies in clean technology, strategic value chains, governance and climate finance.
Objectives
The Motagua Circular Forum seeks to mobilise the business sector towards sustainable actions and investments that yield tangible benefits and bring together support for public policy, financing and industrial technologies. This will be achieved through partnerships between Europe and Guatemala that promote sustainable and innovative investment to address local challenges, within a framework of international cooperation underpinned by the principles of the circular economy.
Format and activities
The Motagua Circular Forum will be developed through a comprehensive approach, with public and private investment serving as the catalyst for the transformative changes required in the Basin. The programme will combine strategic sessions, expert-led discussions, networking opportunities and an exhibition of tailored solutions addressing the specific challenges of the Motagua River Basin.
Strategic participants
- Private sector: Leading companies from Guatemala and Europe specialising in waste management, water treatment and circular technologies, investors and business networks committed to sustainability and industries engaged in sustainable value chains and sectoral alliances.
- Public sector: Key national and local authorities, alongside European representatives, involved in shaping environmental, economic and particularly circular economy policies.
- Finance and international cooperation: Climate funds, private and development banks and technical cooperation programmes.
- Civil society and academia: NGOs, universities, research centres and experts in environmental innovation.
Registration
The Forum has limited capacity and is free of charge. Only registrations confirmed via email will be considered official “invited participants”. Register here. For more information and planning, please contact the delegation. The event will be in person only and mainly in Spanish (there is likely to be interpreting and the private sector sessions will probably be in English).
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