Head of Sustainable Development at Free Riga | Latvia

Zane Ruģēna co-created Free Riga and holds the position of Head of Sustainable Development there, practicing circular economy, promoting affordable living, and developing socially meaningful building projects for all citizens of Riga. By developing the concept of “Institute for Design and Quality of Life”, Zane offers Riga a space for sustainability, social inclusiveness, creativity, and cooperation. She questions the quality of life – what it means emotionally, practically, and economically. Global crises like the pandemic, climate change, and war reactivate this question and strike us all on a personal level. Zane thinks we should use this opportunity in a good way, unwrapping our relationships and responsibility towards our community, society, and nature.