The World Circular Economy Forum 2024 is hitting Brussels on 15–18 April!
Thousands of experts and decision-makers will come together at the SQUARE convention centre to explore practical and impactful circular solutions. This year, Circle Economy is proud to co-host the forum and co-design its programme based on insights from the Circularity Gap Report 2024! With government representatives, the finance community and labour organisations on our guest list, we’re looking forward to bringing the report’s recommendations to life. Please check our sessions below and register to participate—in person or online.
Up to US$700 billion could be generated by circular textile business models, which address the impacts of discarded textiles on nature and health. However, little is known about the current destinations, uses and impacts of globally traded used clothes. This workshop sheds light on this murky subject, exploring collaborations, policies and real-world examples to make the worn clothes trade more circular.
Date and time: 15 April 2024 at 09:30–10:45 CEST
Organisers: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Circle Economy
Learn more and register here
The Circularity Gap Report 2024 detailed tangible solutions to accelerate the global circular transition. Now is the time to act upon its insights! This opening plenary session will feature a critical discussion with global policy and thought leaders. They will define the role of governance, economics and society in building a just, circular future.
Date and time: 15 April 2024 at 11:00–12:00 CEST
Organisers: International Resource Panel, Circle Economy and Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund
Learn more and register here
This session will give the stage over to directors of multilateral development banks (MDBs) from different regions to discuss a shared vision for the role of finance in the circular transition. They will convene for a first-ever public talk on circular finance aimed at building a common approach to the circular economy.
Date and time: 15 April 2024 at 13:30–14:30 CEST
Organisers: Circle Economy, Circularity Exchange Network (Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank), UNEP Finance Initiative and Invest-NL
Learn more and register here
In this session, you will hear from people putting the circular economy into action: entrepreneurs, policymakers, trade union leaders and business people. They will share inspirational insights on what is needed to unleash the potential of a people-centred, jobs-rich circular economy.
Date and time: 15 April 2024 at 13:30–14:30 CEST
Organisers: International Labour Organisation and Circle Economy, with the Solutions for Youth Employment Programme of the World Bank
Learn more and register here
Circular economy approaches can support peacebuilding, community resilience and dialogue. However, shifting to less extractive and less interdependent economic systems might also stir geopolitical tension. This session will analyse the risks and opportunities of the circular economy for international relations and peacebuilding.
Date and time: 16 April 2024 at 09:00–10:00 CEST
Organisers: Circle Economy and International Resource Panel, with Carnegie Europe
Learn more and register here
Urban planning is a key lever for the circular transition in cities. However, a common understanding of circularity in urban planning is still lacking. This session explores how cities can go from high-level policy to implementation to steer their circular development.
Date and time: 16 April 2024 at 10:45–11:45 CEST
Organisers: ICLEI Europe and Circle Economy
Learn more and register here
