On 11–12 March 2026, the final conference of the NiCE – from niche to centre took place at the German Environment Agency in Dessau-Roßlau. The event brought together urban practitioners, policymakers, NGOs, and experts to exchange ideas on promoting sustainable consumption in city centres.
Day 1: Setting the Scene and Sharing Practice
The conference opened with welcome remarks followed by an introduction from Dirk Messner, an internationally recognised expert on sustainability transformation and global governance.
A panel discussion explored how different stakeholders can drive the transition towards circularity in cities. Among the speakers was Ivana Maleš, co-founder of the Institute of Circular Economy, who focuses on implementing circular economy policies at municipal level.
The afternoon featured a “Market of Opportunities”, showcasing practical initiatives such as repair networks, circular bootcamps, and climate communication tools.
Participants then joined interactive deep dive sessions (workshops), focusing on topics such as:
- policy recommendations from pilot actions
- reuse of vacant spaces in city centres
- biodiversity education and local learning approaches
- an interactive “city walk” exploring sustainable urban development
The day concluded with a summary of key learnings and a networking session.
Day 2: Tools, Communication and Capacity Building
The second day started with a keynote by Maike Sippel, a professor working on sustainability transitions, who focused on how to communicate climate and circular economy topics effectively at the local level.
Further sessions addressed practical challenges and solutions for cities. Workshops (deep dive sessions) included:
- the NiCE Knowledge Platform as a tool for cities
- addressing social barriers and capacity gaps
- engaging industry and SMEs in circular practices
- promoting repair initiatives across European cities
The conference closed with final reflections led by Laura Spengler, an environmental scientist working on sustainable consumption and eco-friendly product design. After her closing, participants also had the opportunity to join a study visit across Dessau-Roßlau. The guided tour showcased local initiatives supporting circular lifestyles, including community spaces, repair cafés, and a “library of things”, offering practical inspiration on how sustainable solutions can be implemented at the neighbourhood level.
Exchange and Next Steps
Throughout the two days, the conference offered a mix of presentations, discussions, and hands-on workshops. It created space for sharing experiences, learning from good practices, and building connections for future cooperation in advancing circular lifestyles in cities.