Building hope through collective vision and action: our 2025-2030 Strategic Framework journey

Back in May 2025, our members unanimously adopted our 2025-2030 Strategic Framework that emerged from the collective wisdom of our network, also closing a thoughtful collective process. 

Our newly adopted Strategic Framework 2025-2030 represents more than just a roadmap. It embodies our commitment to collective wisdom, participatory leadership, and the courage to nurture hope during challenging times.

As we now put this framework into action, I find myself reflecting on what we have learned about ourselves and our collective power throughout this process.

The paradox of planning in dark and uncertain times

In a world of accelerating change, geopolitical instability, and existential environmental and social challenges, long-term planning can seem paradoxical, and even futile.Yet, at Zero Waste Europe, we believe that navigating uncertain waters requires both a sturdy anchor and adaptable sails – a shared vision that provides direction while allowing for flexibility. More than ever, it is critical to get clarity about where and how to invest our limited resources.

When we began this journey almost two years ago, Europe was already grappling with increasing resistance to environmental policies while simultaneously acknowledging that existing measures were insufficient. We observed widening social inequalities, shrinking civic spaces, and shifting political landscapes.

We took the opportunity to step out of reactive mode, pause, reflect deeply on our collective journey, and thoughtfully redirect our network’s energy.

It’s clear that the journey of creating the framework was almost more important than the ‘destination’, i.e. our final document.

Harnessing collective intelligence from the ground up

Let’s be honest: strategic planning sessions don’t typically feature on everyone’s list of favourite activities! Knowing this, we deliberately designed our process not just to produce a document, but to serve as a learning experience for our team and members while strengthening relationships across our network.

We created a ground-up approach tapping into our collective intelligence through multiple spaces for co-creation:

• In-person brainstorming sessions during our annual Network-Wide Gathering or training sessions.
• Online discussions through our bimonthly “Plots & Plans” meetings.
• Targeted task force calls focusing on specific strategic elements.
• Individual conversations with member organisations to understand local contexts.

This multilayered approach wasn’t just about gathering diverse perspectives—it was about building knowledge, capacity and solidarity throughout our network. Through the process, we deepened our understanding of each other’s context and challenges, but also collectively articulated our shared vision for Europe’s zero waste future.

A framework to guide our collective journey

The result is a reaffirmation of our 2030 vision. Shifting from waste management to resource stewardship, we prioritise the interconnected wellbeing of humans, environment, and ecosystems, while empowering local communities to lead the way.

And a roadmap around six interconnected strategic goals that balance aspiration with pragmatism:

• SG1 (Advancing the political debate on strategic use of materials) and SG2 (Putting health and wellbeing of communities at the centre of zero waste solutions) sit closest to our 2030 vision, representing our more aspirational, longer-term ambitions.
• At our foundation, SG3 (Securing the policies and financial frameworks to boost circularity) and SG4 (Empowering cities and businesses as reuse and prevention champions) build on our historical strengths while deepening our impact.
• At the core of everything we do is SG5 (Building an integrated network and a strong movement), recognising that our collective power comes from the strength and connectivity of our network.
• Enabling it all is SG6 (Cultivating a future-proof and thriving organisation with a clear, strong voice), ensuring we have the organisational resilience and compelling narratives to amplify our impact.

In an era of environmental setbacks and political polarisation, choosing to articulate a positive vision for 2030 is a radical act of hope and courage. In turbulent times, the most powerful compass is one crafted together. 

Explore our full Strategic Framework 2025-2030 to see how we’ll navigate the journey ahead.