Zasavje Circular Economy Academy: Paving the Way for a Just and Circular Transition
On 18 September 2024, in Zagorje ob Savi, the Centre for Just Transition of Zasavje (RRA Zasavje), in collaboration with Circular Change – the Institute for Circular Economy, hosted the fourth workshop of the Zasavje Circular Economy Academy. Held at the Regional Development Agency Zasavje, this event, titled “The Zasavje Circular Network – Systemic Integration of Proposals into a Comprehensive Circular and Just Transformation of the Region,” marked a significant step toward a sustainable future for the region.
Purpose and Opening Remarks
The workshop aimed to establish the Zasavje Circular Network and refine project concepts for presentation at the regional conference in November 2024. Circular Change founder and sustainability expert, Mag. Ladeja Godina Košir, kicked off the event by highlighting core principles of sustainable business operations and the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. With a focus on systemic, sustainable operations, she laid the groundwork for the session’s discussions.
Meta Pezdir, co-author of the National Strategy for the Coal Phase-out, led a conversation with participants, exploring the formation of a local circular ecosystem. Her insights helped contextualize the challenges and opportunities the region faces in its transition from coal dependency to a circular economy model.
Key Workshop Discussions
The workshop centered on mapping the current ecosystem of stakeholders in Zasavje, identifying principles to ensure the successful implementation of a regional circular network. Among the key suggestions were redefining purchasing criteria in both the business and private sectors, encouraging decision-makers to adopt sustainable practices, and fostering regional collaboration.
Participants also emphasized the importance of transparency and consistency in political decision-making, especially in the face of changing political landscapes. Clear communication with stakeholders emerged as a crucial factor in ensuring long-term success for the circular transition.
Next Steps and Concrete Outcomes
Participants set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for two major projects: Medijske Toplice and the Circular Business Zone. These goals focus on promoting and implementing these projects by the end of 2024. A key achievement of the workshop was the agreement to present these projects at the regional conference on 14 November 2024, bringing together domestic and international stakeholders.
Conclusion and Path Forward
The workshop served as a vital preparatory step for the final event of the Circular Economy Academy, where the results of ongoing efforts will be unveiled. In addition to the concrete project plans, participants outlined the necessary steps for integrating these initiatives into a broader regional and circular transformation.
The activities of the Centre for Just Transition are fully funded by technical assistance from the Just Transition Fund, ensuring continued support for the region’s sustainable future.
This workshop marked another milestone in Zasavje’s journey toward becoming a model of just and circular transformation, emphasizing the importance of local collaboration, systemic planning, and long-term sustainability.
