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18 April 2024

South Africa efforts for advancing the green economy on the spotlight

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WCEF Brussels 2024

As part of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2024 in Brussels, the EU and its partners, including PAGE, led a discussion on 18 April which gave voice to those inspired and drawn to the circular economy path and showed how the circular economy is taking root in a variety of countries in all regions of the world.

 

“PAGE has supported South Africa in mainstreaming the Green Economy, particularly in measuring progress. […] We have leapfrogged some challenges thanks to these discussions. Collaboration and partnerships take us a long way in achieving results“, said Mr. Kgauta Mokoena, Chief Director of Chemicals and Waste Policy, specialist monitoring services, Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa who spoke at the event.

Kgauta Mokoena highlighted the significant collaboration with PAGE since 2015. This partnership has facilitated crucial initiatives such as sustainability reporting, the Green Economy Progress Measurement Framework, and a dialogue series on green economy policy development.

Kgauta Mokoena South Africa

PAGE has supported South Africa in mainstreaming the Green Economy, particularly in measuring progress. Dialogue platforms about the Circular Economy have been key to our success. One could say we have leapfrogged some challenges thanks to these discussions, especially in measuring green jobs and introducing extended producer responsibility schemes. Collaboration and partnerships take us a long way in achieving results.

Mr Kgauta Mokoena, Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa
Mr Kgauta Mokoena, Chief Director, Chemicals and waste policy, specialist monitoring services, Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa

Titled “The EU in the Global Circular Economy Transition: Inspiration, incentives, and market leverage,” the session featured prominent figures shedding light on collaboration, strategic initiatives, and practical solutions driving this transformative agenda.

The panel on EU-funded actions showcased comprehensive strategies to advance circular economy goals. From policy engagement to financial assistance, initiatives like the EU Green Deal and partnerships with organizations like PAGE demonstrate a commitment to systemic change.

Efforts span diverse sectors, including leather and e-commerce, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. These initiatives, driven by public-private cooperation and knowledge sharing, aim to transform economies towards sustainability and resilience.

Carla Montesi, Director of the Green Deal and Digital Agenda, European Commission DG International Partnerships, emphasized the necessity of collaboration in achieving circular economy goals. Highlighting the EU’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, Carla remarked, “One size does not fit all in the world of circular economy. […] The EU aims to cooperate to jointly promote a circular world”.

WCEF Accelerator Session Brussels

The session highlighted the ambitious goals set by the EU for advancing the circular economy. Through comprehensive measures such as product policy reform, eco-design initiatives, and legislation covering products like batteries and textiles, the EU aims to ensure that all products placed on its market by 2030 are inherently circular. This includes promoting durability, repairability, and recyclability to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. Additionally, the emphasis on extended producer responsibility and transitioning waste into valuable raw materials reflects the EU’s commitment to sustainable production and consumption practices. Emphasizing the importance of social justice and inclusive transition, the session highlighted the need for equitable participation in the circular economy transition. Moreover, the value of experiential learning, drawing from past successes, and sharing knowledge emerged as key pillars for driving sustainable development forward.

We aspire to become a front runner and a global standard setter, but we also want global circular economy and not just EU circular economy. We need to unite to ensure a harmonized approach, eliminating the need to choose between various circular economy models. By fostering a shared understanding of the circular economy's potential, we empower all stakeholders to actively participate and reap its benefits worldwide.

Astrid Schomaker, European Commission
Astrid Schomaker, Director of the Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism, European Commission DG of Environment

The eighth World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) highlights solutions to tackle our societies’ over-dependence on natural resources. WCEF2024 emphasizes the circular economy as a key source of future well-being and the premier post-fossil fuel investment frontier. The forum takes place in Brussels, Belgium from 15-18 April, and convenes thousands of experts to explore the vast opportunities presented by the circular economy.

 

Sources: Switch Asia, European Commission

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