WCEF2024 Accelerator Session: The EU in the global circular economy transition: inspiration, incentives, and market leverage

The circular economy is taking root in a variety of countries in all regions of the world. The EU, as a frontrunner, is willing to engage with partners across the globe to promote the CE transition, using all the tools of external relations: trade and markets, green diplomacy, technical assistance, financial support. 

Are EU initiatives towards a circular economy transition a source of inspiration, paving the way for innovative policies, business and market practices, while bolstering competitiveness? Or do they risk creating barriers for market access or global trade? This Accelerator Session showcases a variety of experiences and partnerships supported by the EU to accelerate the circular economy transition. It aims to give voice to those inspired and drawn to the circular economy path and to gather feedback on the challenges that need to be addressed.

The Agenda: 

• 8:30 Welcome coffee and registration
• 9:00-9:25: Opening by DG INTPA and DG NEAR and presentation of the EU Policy Proposals on the Circular Economy by DG Environment
• 9:25-10:15: Are EU initiatives on the circular economy serving as inspiration for policy makers and civil society? Do EU Initiatives offer sufficient incentives for partner countries to adopt circular practices? Exploring views from partner countries and the private sector 
• 10:15-10:25: Strategic Approach for the Support to the Circular Economy Transition
• 10:25-11:30: Experience from EU funded actions on the ground 

Session Highlights:

• Strategic Insights: Gain valuable insights from DG INTPA on their external relation toolbox and their strategic approach to supporting the transition to a circular economy

• Examples from the field: Learn from the success stories of the EU funded Al-Invest Verde programme, which targets SMEs in Latin America, and the Enhancing Transparency and Traceability for More Sustainable Value Chains in the Garment and Footwear Industry project operating in Uzbekistan

• Collaborative Support: Discover the global assistance provided by EU (co-)funded initiatives, such as the Partnership for Action on the Green Economy and the upcoming EU Circular Economy Resource Centre.

This hybrid session is organised by the European Commission Directorates General for International Partnerships, co-organised by the EU SWITCH-Asia programme, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership, the Green Economy Coalition, and the Partnership for Action on the Green Economy with support of the SWITCH to Green Facility.

This event is part of the World Circular Economy Forum 2024. WCEF2024 will gather together forward-looking thinkers and doers and present the game-changers in the circular economy. The Forum will be held from 15 to 18 April in Brussels, Belgium. WCEF2024 is organised by Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, and produced with Circle Economy Foundation (programme partner) and the International Resource Panel (science partner), in close collaboration with international partner organisations. Free of charge, open to all online .