EU actors showcase experience at the WORLD CIRCULAR ECONOMY FORUM #WCEF2022

A circular economy transition is key to tackle the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. Recent scenarios show that introducing circular business models has the potential to cut 39% of total global emissions (Circularity Gap Report 2021), which can only be achieved with a concerted effort between developed and developing countries, and appropriate technical and financial support.

The European Union aspires to lead global efforts towards a circular economy, as laid out in the European Green Deal and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. Together with EU Member States, the European Commission (Directorate General for International Partnerships - DG INTPA) coordinates with EU Delegations to design, finance and implement dedicated actions promoting a circular economy in some 50 partner countries.

Circularity offers opportunities for partner countries

The event in Kigali, Ruanda, will explore major themes relevant to the continent’s development, in which circularity could play a big role. These include climate and nature, circular trade and value chains, circular cities, but also enablers for transformational change like partnerships for a global circular economy, private finance for circularity in Africa, and technology.

Shaping debates, sharing experiences, exchanging views

With the fastest growing and youngest population in the world, Africa has great economic opportunities. Circular economy represents the single greatest chance to accelerate green growth and job creation in Africa. One reason why this year’s edition of the World Circular Economy Forum is, for the first time, hosted in the Global South.

The World Circular Economy Forum (6.-8. December) brings together politicians, policymakers, businesses, journalists and researchers showcasing African circular innovations, and creating opportunity for collaboration. Presenting policies, programmes and projects at the upcoming Forum, the EU hosts, co-organises and/or participates in a number of Accelerator Sessions:

On 8 December, the following Accelerator Sessions are co-organised by the EU:   

Circular policies without borders (9:15 CET)

Increasing the circularity of fashion (11:15 CET)

EU speakers are part of the following panels:

Catalysing policy change for a circular economic transition through local enterprises in East Africa (10:00)

Enhancing circularity in Africa (10 CET)

Network governance – What role for the circular transition brokers? (13:30 CET)

Locally led solutions to accelerate circularity within businesses (14:00 CET)

A global road map for an inclusive circular economy – from concept to action (15:15 CET)

Supporting the Circular Economy through International Cooperation (13:00)

Join the debate

All Accelerator Sessions on 8 December are online and/or hybrid sessions. Registration for the individual Accelerator sessions can be done via the session links above. For more information on the World Circular Economy Forum and the complete programme please visit: www.WCEF2022.com