SWITCH-Asia

WHEN: 14-18 December 2020   I   Online (Platform TBC)  

FREE OF COST FOR SELECTED PARTICIPANTS 

Launched in 2007, the SWITCH-Asia programme has achieved more than a decade of progress on SCP in 24 countries in the region. The SWITCH-Asia Regional Policy Advocacy Component (RPAC) is implemented by UNEP in 19 countries in Asia and is responsible for promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) through circular economy approaches, sustainable public procurement, organisation of policy dialogues, development of policy support documents, and capacity building programmes, among others. 

Organised every year, the Leadership Academy is RPAC's flagship capacity building activity aiming at shifting mindsets and inspiring actions of young professionals in Asia to mainstream SCP into their decisions-making processes, business plans and actions in society. This year, the Academy will take place online from 14-18 December 2020.

Objectives of the 2020 Leadership Academy:

The 2020 Leadership Academy focuses on how to communicate about the circular economy to enhance behaviour changes of various sectors with emphasis on interdisciplinary, project-based and participatory approaches.The knowledge gained through proposed interactive sessions and exercises will support learning and increase understanding of circular economy principles and approaches. The Academy will also strengthen the network of young professionals across Asia.

• Are actively working on mainstreaming circular economy into actions

• Have a strong interest in adopting circular economy approaches under your current responsibilities

The 2020 Academy Agenda

The Leadership Academy will be conducted virtually during 3 days of the same week (i.e. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Tuesday and Thursday will be dedicated to home assignments (in groups or individually, or both). The following topics will be covered: 

• Evolution of Circular Economy (CE)   
• Life Cycle Thinking in CE and Stakeholders  
• Dimensions of Behaviour Change    
• Policies, Regulations & Economic Instruments related to CE
• Purchase-Use-End of Life Stages
• Design for Sustainable Behaviour
• Regional Circular Economy - A Systems Perspective
• Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic 
• Communication in CE
• Importance of Communication & Behavioural Change in CE
• Behavioural Change in CE

Case studies from Europe and Asia will be presented to illustrate every topic. The morning sessions of the academy will consist of virtual training sessions. The afternoon sessions will consist of group activities. Tools like Mentimeter will be used for interactions.

How to apply for the Academy?

Candidates meeting the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

• Citizens or nationals of one of the following countries: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Holders of a first university degree in environment, development, engineering, policy, economics or relevant discipline; higher education is an advantage.
• At least 2 years of working experience in public, private or development agencies.
• Junior Government professionals; Junior private sector professionals; Junior professionals from the civil society sector are highly encouraged to apply.

Application Submission

• Complete the online application form available here   

• Develop a 1-3 pages article on your current circular economy activities and how you will apply the knowledge and skills gained from this Academy in your work.

• Provide a Brief CV (one page)

• Provide a copy of your educational degrees

Deadline: 25 November 2020

Learn more about the Leadership Academy on Circular Economy