World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF)

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In a context where resources are finite and environmental issues are mounting, the traditional linear method of take-make-dispose is no longer feasible. Instead, a circular economy presents a transformative approach towards a sustainable future. Circular economy models can help slow and reverse the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. 

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is contributing widely to the World Circular Economy Forum taking place in Brussels both center stage and through workshops and side events.

Find out more about the WCEF2024 programme here.

Some highlights from UNEP:

15 April:

11:00-12:00 CEST – UNEP-hosted International Resource Panel Co-chair, Janez Potocnik, features front stage at the opening session in a critical discussion with global policy and thought leaders on how to build a just, circular future, in which projected growth in resource use by one third can be reduced while growing the economy, improving well-being, and minimizing environmental impacts.

13:30-14:30 CEST – The session on ‘Material demand and solutions for the energy transition’ organised by UNEP IRP and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), is being opened by Djaheezah Subratty, Head of Consumption and Production Unit at UNEP. Janez Potocnik, Co-chair of UNEP hosted International Resource Panel (IRP), presents the Global Resources Outlook 2024 and solutions for the energy transition.

16:45-17:45 CEST –  UNEP-IRP Panel member Hans Bruyninckx speaks in high-level discussions about the kinds of policies needed to manage growing demand of natural resources.

09:30-10:45 CEST – UNEP and the Circle Economy Foundation, further host a workshop which explores how to make the trade of used textiles more circular. The workshop was moderated by Elisa Tonda, UNEP’s Chief of Resources and Markets Branch.

16 April

Sustainable textiles is also the focus of a stakeholder discussion organised by UNEP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation

18 April

14:00-17:00 CEST – Janyl Moldalieva, UNEP Policy Officer, speaks at the Accelerator Session on Circular food systems: enabling policies and business cases, organised by UNECE and World Resources Institute.

10:15-11:45 CEST – An accelerator session on building circularity into Nationally Determined Contributions organised by UNEP, UNDP and UNFCCC will discuss opportunities and challenges faced by countries in the Global North and South in relation to integrating the circular economy into their national climate plans.