Climate and circular economies: implications and actions for Melbourne

The United Nations Association of Australia (Victoria) and the City of Melbourne, in collaboration with social enterprise STREAT and the World Food Forum Australia Youth Chapter (WFF AYC), are hosting a unique behind the scenes look at circular economy innovation in action.

Led by the STREAT team, participants will experience first-hand how one of Melbourne's most iconic public spaces – the Queen Victoria Market - is being reimagined via circular design, food systems innovation, waste reduction and collaborative partnerships.

Through an exclusive guided tour of the Purpose Precinct at QVM -where people, purpose and planet come together - the audience will have the rare opportunity to explore practical examples of sustainability, circular economy innovation and community-led action here in Melbourne.

This interactive hands-on sustainability experience is designed for people passionate about creating a better future, bringing the UN’s SDGs to life through food, design, innovation and community, and hands-on activities and interactive conversations. Attendees will gain insights into local initiatives contributing to global sustainability outcomes, particularly SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action.

What you will do:

Hear about the work of STREAT and the World Food Forum Australian Youth Chapter and take part in a range of engaging activities including:

Behind the Scenes Tour - Purpose Precinct

Discover how Queen Victoria Market is being transformed into a hub for circular economy innovation, turning food and material waste into new opportunities, products and community benefits.

Preserving & Tasting Session

Learn simple food preservation techniques and create your own jar of quick pickles using surplus market produce. Taste some of the products made from rescued market produce.

Loopy Lab

See how recovered plastics are being transformed into useful products and make your own as you explore practical examples of circular design in action.

Design Activity

Share your ideas and help imagine solutions for a more sustainable, resilient and circular future.

City of Melbourne Climate & Environment Pop-up

Take part in this interactive session to share your ideas for a thriving and resilient city  - and help shape the City of Melbourne’s new Climate and Environment Strategy.

This event forms part of the United Nations Association of Australia (Victoria) and City of Melbourne’s 2026 Climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) event series.

In 2026, COP31 will be hosted in Türkiye, with Australia assuming the COP presidency for negotiations. This is a defining role for Australia and the Pacific to influence global climate discussions in the lead-up to, and at the conference in November. In recognition of Australia’s position in the global climate agenda, UNAA Victoria and the City of Melbourne are partnering to deliver a series of seven events to highlight climate action and the localising of the United Nations’ 17 SDGs.

UNAA Victoria is dedicated to engaging local communities in advancing the SDGs, including those related to human rights and climate change. City of Melbourne is a global leader on climate action and sustainability, winning the 2024 UN-Habitat Shanghai Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities. Melbourne was also the first Australian city to produce an SDGs Voluntary Local Review. Together, we play crucial roles in connecting the community to climate and sustainability action frameworks provided by the SDGs.

by choosing to support STREAT you are being kind to people and the planet

Each mouthful is life-changing: every meal, sandwich, pastry, specialty coffee, and jar of jam you purchase from STREAT directly supports the training and job opportunities of some of Victoria’s most marginalised young people through our youth programs. Thanks for making a difference.

The World Food Forum Australia Youth Chapter (WFF AYC) is a national platform that empowers young Australians to shape the future of food. It connects emerging leaders across agriculture, policy, research and enterprise, creating opportunities to influence decision making, champion innovation and drive practical action for more sustainable and equitable food systems.

The WFF AYC are part of the global World Food Forum, convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which brings together governments, researchers, industry and civil society to accelerate agrifood systems transformation. Through this network, it elevates Australian youth perspectives on the global stage and contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Stay tuned for more information on future events in October (Pre COP 31) and December (Post COP 31).