On July 13, 2024, the LIAISE COST Action event, titled “Green Connections: Promoting Sustainable Development with Circular Economy and Symbiosis”, took place at the Eurasia International University (EIU) in Yerevan, Armenia. Organized by Anna Martirosyan, President of UCC NGO and Management Committee Member of LIAISE COST Action. The event brought together 39 participants passionate about advancing Circular Economy practices and promoting Industrial Symbiosis.
The session served multiple objectives, including raising awareness about the activities of LIAISE COST Action, discussing the importance ofCircular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis in sustainable development, and fostering entrepreneurship and education within these topics. Attendees were inspired to consider actionable steps towards a more Circular Economy and were encouraged to share this knowledge within their communities.
Key speakers delivered insightful presentations that highlighted the significance of reused waste and by-products, showcasing their potential for driving sustainable practices. The event also featured discussions on the entrepreneurial and educational opportunities available in circular economy, providing a platform for networking and idea generation.
Gevorg Poghosyan, Director of Impact Hub Yerevan, shared details on the CirculUp! program and the upcoming hackathon and grant opportunities for circular economy start-ups. Edgar Amirkhanyan of EIU emphasized the role of education in promoting industrial symbiosis and introduced the university’s double degree program in “Management and Circular Economy.”
The interactive format of the event, complemented by a networking coffee break, allowed participants to connect and exchange ideas, setting the stage for potential collaborations. The event concluded with a discussion session, where attendees explored the role of civil society organizations in sustainable development and youth involvement in these efforts, led by Tigran Mkrtchyan, President of the Environmental Sustainability Assistance Center NGO.
Overall, the event was hailed as a success, exceeding the expected number of participants and sparking a vibrant conversation on the importance of circular economy and industrial symbiosis in Armenia. As LIAISE COST Action continues its mission to promote sustainable practices, events like these play a crucial role in engaging communities and driving change towards a more resilient and circular future.
