#WCEF: Network governance – What role for the circular transition brokers? - Accelerator Session

How does network governance empower the transition to a circular economy? What role can transition brokers play in accelerating the circular economy transition on the African continent?

This session will focus on the role of network governance – building a coalition of partners willing to contribute to transformational changes – in implementing the circular economy road maps at the national and local levels. It will discuss the role of transition brokers in accelerating circular initiatives. These intermediaries (also hub leaders) coordinate the circular transition with industry, local governments, research and educational institutes, civil society and others. They can help set up the network governance, from helping to build circular initiatives to upscaling them by linking successful local cases to national policy and agenda setting.

The African continent has tremendous potential to build solid network governance and identify hub leaders because inspiring circular economic solutions are already here. The exchange of existing best practices and the ”out of silos” thinking are essential elements. The main challenges of establishing the circular economy hubs are the need for ambitious targets, indicators and long-term financial support from governments and businesses.

Speakers:

Welcome and introduction

Ladeja Godina Košir, ECESP co-chair - Circular Change

Introductory remarks,

Emmanuelle Maire, Head of Unit B3 - DG ENV - European Commission (TBC)

Prof. Jacqueline Cramer, Utrecht University, Member of the Amsterdam Economic Board, Board Chair of Holland Circular Hotspot and former Dutch Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment 

How circular economy hubs can spark the transition and contribute to climate goals?

Chris Whyte - African Circular Economy Network

Kgauta Mokoena, Chief Director for Chemicals and waste Policy - S.A dept. Environmental Affairs

Case studies

Development of interconnected regional circularity centres throughout Europe for a better collaboration across borders, Michael Laermann - Ecopreneur

Deborah Edward - Circular Business Platform Lagos

Keiran Smith - Mr Green Africa

Françoise Bonnet, ACR+

Panel discussion + Q&A

Conclusions & closing remark

Freek van Eijk, ECESP co-chair - Holland Circular Hotspot

REGISTER HERE