Ecomondo, Italy’s flagship event for green technologies and sustainable business practices, is gearing up for its 2024 edition, set to commence on 5 November at the Rimini Expo Centre. With delegates from over 100 countries and representation from 72 international organizations, institutions, and trade associations, this year’s event is positioned as one of the most globally inclusive forums for advancing the green economy.
Ecomondo, organized by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), has steadily become a vital platform for international collaboration in green technologies, renewable energy, circular economy strategies, and environmental management. This year’s event is expected to draw 650 hosted buyers from regions spanning North Africa, Europe, North and Latin America, underscoring the event’s appeal to diverse markets. Maurizio Ermeti, President of IEG, highlighted the international growth of Ecomondo, with a significant increase in participation from Asia, particularly Central Asia, China, Southeast Asia, Pakistan, and India. “The expanded reach of Ecomondo demonstrates the global need for solutions that transcend borders,” Ermeti commented. “Ecomondo serves as a critical meeting point for those invested in sustainable change.”
Ecomondo’s global impact has been amplified through strategic partnerships with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This cooperation has extended Ecomondo’s influence far beyond Italy’s borders, facilitating related events that address regional sustainability challenges. Ecomondo Mexico, set to host its fourth edition in March 2025, will address Latin America’s environmental priorities, while Ecomondo China – CDEPE, scheduled for the same month, will continue to target China’s environmental technology sector, where demand for sustainable solutions remains strong amid intensifying regulatory focus.
Spotlight on Africa and the Italian Mattei Plan
The 2024 edition of Ecomondo will shine a spotlight on Africa through the African Green Growth event, held in collaboration with the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security as part of Italy’s Mattei Plan. Designed to foster stronger economic ties and address environmental challenges in Africa, the event has confirmed eight African delegations and 104 buyers from key African markets, including Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Botswana, Senegal, South Africa, and Kenya.
Ecomondo’s collaboration with the E4Impact Foundation plays a crucial role in this effort. The foundation, chaired by former Italian Minister Letizia Moratti, operates in 20 African countries, supporting local entrepreneurship through MBA programs, business incubators, and accelerators. The foundation’s Business Networking Week, taking place concurrently in Milan from 4 to 8 November, will emphasize circular economy practices, providing African entrepreneurs with a hands-on perspective on sustainable growth. IEG CEO Corrado Peraboni noted, “Ecomondo is not just about exhibitions. It’s about real partnerships and sustainable investments that can positively impact lives and economies.”
The Mattei Plan represents a notable shift in Italy’s foreign policy, signaling an intent to balance sustainable development with economic opportunity, particularly on the African continent. Ecomondo’s alignment with this policy highlights Italy’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in sustainable technology export and international cooperation on climate issues.
Industry growth and market demand driving event expansion
The green economy is expanding at a rapid pace, and Ecomondo’s 2024 event reflects the industry’s steady growth. The European green economy sector grew 8.5% year-over-year, driven by demand for renewable energy, advanced waste management solutions, and circular economic models, according to recent data from Eurostat. Italy, a strong performer in Europe’s green sector, has increased its green economy investments by 15% over the past year, spurred by favorable policies and demand for technological innovation. Ecomondo’s role in this space is evident; with participation from Europe’s most advanced environmental technology providers and North African and Latin American representatives, the event promises to attract substantial cross-border business interest.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global green economy could reach a value of $12 trillion by 2030, underscoring the urgency and potential profitability of sustainable practices. The Ecomondo event will feature high-level discussions on this potential, with industry leaders, policymakers, and financiers exploring investment opportunities and technological solutions in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, and green finance.
Building a community for sustainable innovation
The event’s program extends beyond traditional exhibitions, aiming to foster a year-round community for sustainable innovation. This year, a range of workshops, roundtable discussions, and keynote speeches will address the most pressing environmental challenges, from water scarcity to carbon reduction strategies. IEG’s Global Exhibition Director for Green & Technology, Alessandra Astolfi, emphasized the collaborative nature of Ecomondo, stating, “Ecomondo isn’t just a trade show. It’s a hub for ongoing dialogue, a place where solutions are not only discussed but shaped through the input of stakeholders from around the world.”
The event is set to cover a comprehensive array of topics in green technology, including advances in green energy systems, emerging circular economy practices, and innovations in waste recycling and water purification. With the European Union committing to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, discussions at Ecomondo are expected to tackle regulatory compliance as well as the commercial viability of adopting green technology solutions across different sectors.
Ecomondo’s impact and international presence
The Ecomondo 2024 event signifies Italy’s ambition to lead the green economy conversation and attract global investment in sustainable technologies. With a turnout from over 100 countries, the event brings together stakeholders who play pivotal roles in environmental protection, finance, and sustainable industrial innovation. Reflecting on Ecomondo’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development, CEO Peraboni noted, “This event extends Italy’s expertise to the world, creating an ecosystem where industry players can engage with government leaders, investors, and innovators to drive the global green agenda.”
The world’s growing attention on sustainability—fueled by climate change concerns, regulatory pressure, and market demands—has placed Ecomondo at the forefront of international sustainable trade shows. The event’s continued expansion underscores the global demand for sustainable solutions, with international businesses looking to Italy’s expertise in waste management, recycling, and renewable energy. As Italy solidifies its role as a leader in green technologies, Ecomondo is poised to serve as a bridge for global green initiatives and partnerships, setting the stage for a sustainable future driven by innovation and strategic collaboration.
Ecomondo’s agenda and the outcomes of its discussions will likely shape the direction of green policies and investments in the coming years, positioning Italy as a central player in the transition to a sustainable global economy.
