Global Forum on Circular Economy and Urban Resilience (Initiated by City of Yokohama)

[OVERVIEW] Friday, September 25, 2026 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Club 135 by Industrious, 135 W 50th Street, New York, NY 10020 Format: Invitation Only Expected Attendance: Approximately 200 participants Language: English Hosted by: Office of the City of Yokohama Representative to the Americas Partners: Greennex Global, ShibuLA Ventures, and CleanLeap Sponsor: ITO EN [ABOUT THE FORUM] Held during Climate Week NYC 2026, the Global Forum on Circular Economy and Urban Resilience will bring together investors, senior policy and city leaders, international organizations, corporations, startups, and leading practitioners from Japan, the United States, and beyond. Focusing on the circular economy, climate, sustainability, and urban resilience, the Forum will connect policy, investment, innovation, and business to explore how cities can accelerate the transition toward more competitive, resilient, and sustainable economies. The program combines U.S.-based startup pitches, reverse pitches by leading Japanese corporations, investor and business dialogue, and high-level sessions with leaders from international organizations, cities, government, finance, and the global innovation ecosystem. The Forum is designed not only as a place for discussion, but also as a platform for building concrete partnerships across Asia, North America, Europe, and beyond. It will also contribute to the momentum toward Yokohama’s major international initiatives in 2027, including GREEN×EXPO 2027, the Asia-Pacific Circular Cities Forum, and the Asia-Pacific Urban Forum. [PROGRAM] 9:00–9:30 Registration & Networking Coffee 9:30–9:40 Welcome Remarks 9:40–10:30 Startup Showcase Selected U.S.-based and international startups will present innovative technologies and business models in circular economy, climate technology, and urban sustainability, with opportunities for investment, pilot projects, and collaboration with Japanese companies. 10:30–11:20 Japanese Corporate Reverse Pitch Leading Japanese corporations will present their business challenges, innovation priorities, and areas where they are seeking technologies, startups, and new partners from the global innovation ecosystem. 11:20–12:00 Innovation Leaders Dialogue: AI, the Circular Economy, and the Next Industrial Transformation A discussion on how artificial intelligence, new technologies, investment, and industrial transformation are reshaping competitiveness and creating new opportunities for a more circular and sustainable economy. 12:00–1:30 Networking Lunch An opportunity for investors, corporations, startups, city leaders, international organizations, and other participants to connect across sectors and regions. 1:30–1:40 Opening Remarks 1:40–2:00 Keynote Address: The Next Chapter of the Circular Economy — Competitiveness, Resilience, and Global Collaboration A high-level perspective on the circular economy as a strategy for economic competitiveness, resource security, industrial resilience, and sustainable growth. 2:00–2:20 Asia’s Circular Future: New Opportunities for Global Collaboration A high-level session exploring the growing role of Asian cities in the global circular economy and opportunities for deeper collaboration between Asia and international partners. 2:20–3:05 Investing in the Circular Economy: Innovation, Markets, and Growth A discussion on investment opportunities, emerging markets, innovation ecosystems, and the roles of cities, businesses, investors, and startups in scaling circular solutions. 3:05–3:50 Bridging Regions: Partnerships for Circular and Resilient Cities A high-level discussion on connecting cities, international organizations, businesses, investors, and financial institutions to move from dialogue toward concrete projects, investment, and long-term international collaboration. 3:50–4:00 Closing Remarks For the latest speaker announcements, participating companies, startups, and detailed program updates, please visit the official event page on Luma.