Global circular economy: first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency at the World Circular Economy Forum

The first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE) is taking place today, 14 September, at the World Circular Economy Forum.  The Alliance, a deliverable of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan of March 2020, has the objective of advocating for the circular economy transition as a way of contributing to solving the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises, and taking less from nature. On global efforts to combat plastic pollution, the EU is advancing for a new legally binding global agreement.

Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said:

There is growing global consensus to change direction and embark on a path to a sustainable, climate neutral and resource efficient model. The EU is setting example with actions under the European Green Deal. In July a new law entered into force to help reduce plastic litter across the EU. We stimulate also efforts at global level and we see increasing support around the world for a new legally binding global agreement to combat plastic pollution. And we’re building key alliances on circular economy and resource efficiency. I am pleased that, six months after its launch, the Global Alliance family is continuing to grow, having a strong united voice at international meetings.

The high-level GACERE meeting is co-organised by the EU, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius providing opening remarks. Registrations for the event are open, and the final agenda is available.

The discussions among 15 participating countries, the EU and three strategic partners will highlight the links between the circular economy and triple planetary crises of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change, in the context of the green recovery. Participants will focus on the role of the Alliance, notably ahead of three key meetings for the future of our planet: COP15 on biodiversity and COP26 on climate change, as well as UN Environment Assembly 5.2 on strengthening actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The momentum for global circular economy for plastics is also growing. Plastic pollution is being recognised as a transboundary problem that no country can tackle alone. More than 100 member states of the UN have called for the launch of negotiations for a new global agreement at the next session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, taking place in February next year.

Building on existing efforts, this agreement should aim to close gaps that the existing instruments do not address, especially at the upstream part of the plastic life-cycle. The agreement should also help to streamline and coordinate efforts by all stakeholders involved by providing an overarching framework for action at the national level.

The World Circular Economy Forum, 13 – 15 September 2021, hosted by the Government of Canada and the Finnish Innovation Fund, Sitra brings together business leaders, policymakers and experts to present the world’s best circular economy solutions. This year’s edition will look into how to catalyze the systemic changes required to scale up a global circular economy that is prosperous, inclusive and equitable.

Background

In February 2021, in the margins of the fifth UN Environment Assembly, the EU teamed up with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to launch the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE). Bringing together governments and relevant networks and organisations, GACERE aims to provide a global impetus for initiatives related to the circular economy transition, resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production. It will build on efforts being deployed internationally and put the EU at the forefront of the green transition.

For more information

• The current list of countries and supporters can be found on the GACERE webpage
• Register for the event or consult the final agenda
• EU action for a global circular economy
• Factsheet – international aspects of the circular economy action plan