On 2nd December 2019, SWITCH-Asia RPAC launched its 2019 Leadership Academy on Circular Economy.
31 young and motivated participants representing the public and private sectors in 17 countries in North-East, South-East and South-East Asia, met in Beijing, China to discuss issues related to the circular economy and ways forward towards shifting to more sustainable practices. The Academy also aims to create a network of trained professionals able to promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in the region.
The European Union (EU) Delegation to China, Tsinsghua University and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) officially opened the event.
Key speaker Jo Miller from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, explained “circular economy is an economy which is restorative and regenerative by intention and which decouples economic activity from material consumption”.
During the first session, participants engaged in active discussions on understanding major ongoing issues in the region that could be solved through a circular economy approach. Ultimately, there was a general consensus that circular economy is fundamental to reach sustainability objectives.
Ms. Feng Mei from the EU Delegation to China, reinforced the importance of SWITCH-Asia’s role in promoting “a stronger and circular economy, helping businesses and consumers, as well as national and local authorities to drive the transformation towards sustainability”. On a similar note, Mr. Tu Ruihe from UNEP China office, emphasised the important role of Asia and highlighted “circularity and development of a zero waste economy are critical when working towards the achievement of SDG12”.
Until 6th December, participants will have the opportunity to learn about policies, innovation and business models, technologies, financial instruments and how to influence behavioral change.
Learn more about this event here.
Contact details:
Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Memon
Regional Coordinator for Resource Efficiency
United Nations Environment Programme, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Project Manager
Regional Policy Advocacy Component
(SWITCH-Asia – the European Union funded programme)
Email: [email protected]
