Bringing at COP27 the debate on circularity to gear action for accelerating the green economic transformation

Mr. Gerd Mueller, Director General of UNIDO opened the event with a keynote in which he also pointed out the multidisciplinary nature of circular economy.  “Addressing the climate challenge presents a golden opportunity to promote prosperity, security and a brighter future for all. Climate action can bring more than USD 26 trillion in economic benefits by 2030. 65 million new green jobs could also be created through our efforts”, he said.

In the opening of the panel, the minister of Environment Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya shared barriers and actions related to circular economy in Rwanda. For instance, the ban of plastic bags has unveiled the potential of circular economy. “We make sure that no waste is wasted. Everything is used, re-used and repaired because it creates green jobs”, said the minister whose country will host the next World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in December.

In the panel discussion, the participants declared that a transitioning from a linear to a circular economy requires a coordinated effort to leverage systemic action across government, private sector, and civil society.

“Circular Economy is global challenge, one that requires clarity, inclusion and consistency […] we really need to rise up to the responsibility to tackle these complex triple threats”, said HRH. Ms. Mashael bint Saud AlShalan, Co-Founder of Aeon Collective, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on the implementation of the circular economy in Indonesia, Dr. Medrilzam, Director of Environmental Affairs at ministry of National Development Planning of Indonesia, highlighted that “there are many aspects that we are implementing to push the circular economy, but certainly collaboration is key. We believe that it can strengthen the implementation of circular economy”. Indonesia aims goal to become a full circular economy in the coming years.

Xuan Zihan brought the youth perspective into the discussion. He highlighted political and societal shifts that young need when it comes circular economy. This includes reskilling young professional, providing education on circular economy in schools and supporting young innovators.

Robert Marinkovic believes that all the elements to implement a circular economy exist. “With circular economy we have many good examples that we can push further and scale. […] We need to intensify our efforts and work together”. He also mentioned the importance of standards and clear objectives for the private sector as well as a stronger monitoring of policy implementation.

In the closing remarks, Ms Olga Algayerova Executive Secretary of UNECE stressed that “We need to accelerate, and we need take action” and indicated that mindsets must change and that policies, standards, guidelines as well as frameworks are strong tools to promote circularity.

Other thematic areas such as financing, policy incentives, investment, capacity building, knowledge sharing, traceability, education on circular economy drove the discussion amongst the panelists.

The COPs are the biggest and most important annual climate-related conferences on the planet. This year marks the 27th annual summit. The previous COP was held in Glasgow.

This COP27 side-event was organized by UNITAR, PAGE, UNIDO, GGKP, UNECE, ESCWA, UNOHRLLS.

PAGE brings together the expertise of five UN agencies UNEP, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNDP, ILO. Currently, 22 countries joined PAGE, including Indonesia and Rwanda who were represented in the panel discussion.