WHEN: Thursday, 18 April 2024 I TIME: 9:00 - 11:30 (Brussels Time) I WHERE: The Space, Rue Belliard 40, 1040 Brussels
Background
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 circular economy 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 is organised in the context of the World Circular Economy Forum 2024 and 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.
This hybrid session is organised by the European Commission Directorate General for International Partnerships, co-organised by the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the Green Growth Knowledge Platform, and the Partnership for Action on the Green Economy with support of the SWITCH to Green Facility.
Why Attend?
- Be Inspired: Learn from Elizabeth Tuerk, Director at UNECE, how the European path has catalysed a circular economy stakeholder platform for Central Asia and discover whether the African Union Continental Circular Economy Action Plan resembles the European one.
- Delve Into Challenges by exploring the situation of businesses in Asia and Eastern and Southern Africa and find out how EU actions like the SWITCH-Asia programme address these challenges.
- Discover the latest policies on circular economy presented by the Directorate General for Environment.
- Engage with Global Stakeholders like the Green Economy Coalition and the Green Growth Knowledge Platform to explore how to reach and support large numbers of businesses and citizens in their transition to a circular economy.
Session Highlights:
- Strategic Insights: Gain valuable insights from the Directorate General for International Partnerships (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.
Moderators
Niclas Gottmann, Policy officer, European Commission DG International Partnershipsand
Alexander Charalambous, Team leader, SWITCH to Green Facility
Speakers
Agenda
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08:30 |
Welcome Coffee & Registration |
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09:00
9:05 |
Welcome and Opening remarks Ms Carla Montesi, Director, DG INTPA Opening Remarks Mr Matthieu Bousquet, Director, DG NEAR |
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09:15 |
Presentation of EU Policy Proposals on the Circular Economy by DG Environment Ms Astrid Schomaker Director, DG Environment |
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09:25 |
Interviews: Are EU initiatives on the circular economy a source of inspiration for policy makers and business in Partner countries? Do they provide enough incentives for partner countries to turn circular?
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10:00 |
Audience Interaction via SLIDO: Inspiration, Incentive or Market leverage? SLIDO Poll Niclas Gottmann, DG INTPA |
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10:04 |
Reaction to the poll results:
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10:28
10:42 |
Examples from the national level:
SWITCH-Asia grant project: Promoting Circularity in the Tamil Nadu leather clusters for solid waste management
Enhancing transparency and traceability for more sustainable value chains in the garment and footwear industry
An example from the regional level:
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10:49 |
Examples from the global level:
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11:10 |
Questions and Answers |
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11:25
11:30 |
Closing Remarks Chantal Marijnissen, DG INTPA Head of Unit F2 End |
