Workshop on

Unlocking Circular Economy: A Journey into Sustainable Economic Resilience and Practices for Developing Countries

23 (Monday) September 2024

Background

The Earth's ecosystem's long-term viability is the paramount concern in the concept of sustainability, taking precedence over all other considerations. The underlying economic and social systems can and should be modified to ensure the sustainability of the global ecosystem. From this perspective, post-SDG initiatives should prioritize global sustainability, aiming for a major transformation from the current high-carbon, resource-wasteful linear economic system to a low-carbon circular economic system. This closely aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12[1], "Responsible Consumption and Production." SDG 12 aims for efficient use of resources and energy, sustainable infrastructure development, and providing basic services and better quality of life for all. It encompasses specific targets including sustainable management of natural resources, reduction of food waste, environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste, promotion of sustainable corporate practices, and expansion of sustainable public procurement.

As global interest in sustainable economic models intensifies, the 'circular economy'[2] has emerged as a new paradigm. This approach goes beyond mere economic efficiency, integrating environmental protection, social responsibility, and resource conservation for future generations. Global supply chains can no longer operate solely on cost efficiency; instead, they must consider political factors, cultural differences, and environmental impacts, embracing the concept of 'value chains'. In this context, the circular economy pursues sustainable development through resource reuse and recycling, minimizing environmental damage and preventing resource depletion. The circular economy model has risen as an alternative to the traditional 'linear economy', showing particularly notable effects in sectors such as metal resources. The core of the circular economy lies in carbon neutrality and reducing environmental impact, with ambitious goals set for zero greenhouse gas emissions in major industries like cement, plastics, steel, and food by 2050.

Indeed, investments in the circular economy are rapidly expanding worldwide, serving as a crucial driver for solving plastic pollution problems and increasing corporate sustainability. It has been said that stock investments related to the circular economy surged from $300 million at the end of 2019 to $9.5 billion by the end of 2021[3]. Also, global mega companies like Adidas and L'Oreal have successfully transitioned to circular economies by expanding their use of recycled materials. Discussions are also underway on the international standardization of recycled materials and the introduction of plastic credits, emerging as important tasks to promote the plastic circular economy. In addition, under its Climate Promise, UNDP has assisted developing countries like Gambia, Lao PDR, South Sudan, Uganda, and Vanuatu in conducting circular economy assessments for their climate commitments. The organization also supports planning, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement at multiple levels to build capacity and accelerate the shift towards more sustainable, circular economic models[4].Thanks to these efforts, many countries are making progress including Kosovo's support for innovative start-ups, Ghana's initiatives in recycling plastic waste for housing, Jordan's efforts in creating employment opportunities for women through circular economy transitions, and the Philippines' legislation on plastic packaging. Notably, Vanuatu leads in circularity estimates at 59%, followed by the Netherlands at 24.5% and Austria at 9.7%, while global circularity has decreased from 8.6% in 2020 to 7.2% in 2023.

However, transitioning to a circular economy faces several challenges, despite its potential benefits. These include limited knowledge and understanding of circular economy strategies, particularly in developing countries; difficulties in accessing adequate finance for businesses, especially SMEs, to shift from linear to circular models; and complexities in assessing and tracking the impact of circular economy practices, such as measuring reductions in indirect emissions along value chains.

Against this backdrop, the UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/Jeju International Training Center (JITC) will organize an online capacity-building workshop on “Unlocking Circular Economy: A Journey into Sustainable Economic Resilience and Practices for Developing Countries” on September 23^rd, 2024. This Workshop will serve as a platform to explore the potential of the circular economy and seek sustainable economic resilience and practical solutions from the perspectives of developing countries. JITC aims to present the possibilities of a new economic model that simultaneously achieves economic growth, environmental protection, and social responsibility while exploring avenues for global cooperation. The Workshop will discuss specific measures to achieve these goals and explore ways to enhance the scientific and technological capabilities necessary for building sustainable consumption and production patterns. Additionally, we will discuss case-studies of some countries and Korea by looking at the strategies for changing consumption and production patterns for a more sustainable future in post-COVID-19 recovery plans. Lastly, we will observe challenges and implications from the perspective of developing countries followed by financing and investment mechanisms for enabling a circular economy.

[1] (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12)

Overview

Event Objectives

For the capacity-building, this event aims to:

- Provide an understanding of the circular economy, showcasing global trends, best practices, and financing strategies, with a focus on implications for developing countries.

Learning Objectives

Understanding circular economy dynamics:

- Equip participants with knowledge of circular economy principles, global practices, challenges and opportunities for developing countries, and relevant financing strategies.

Methodology

The training will be comprised of:

- Expert-led lecture sessions

- Interactive Q&A with participants

Target Audience

This event is open to:

- Those who are actively involved in the implementation of circular economy and green economy and seek to enhance their knowledge for effective integration into their professional practice.

- Individuals with an interest in circular economy development and a desire to further their understanding of green/circular economy knowledge.

Registration Deadline

This Workshop is offered online only. So, participants who want to attend this program are kindly requested to submit the registration form by 16 September 2024 through: 

https://forms.gle/iSBMAdBiuhVgtE2S6

*Kindly note that only selected applicants will be notified individually.

Organizer

UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/Jeju International Training Center http://cifaljeju.org/

For further inquiries, please contact

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (CIFAL)
UNITAR CIFAL Jeju
Mr. Sung Jun (Jun) Jang,
Program Officer
Tel 064-735-6586 / Email sustainableasean@gmail.com

Agenda (tentative)

*The program above is subject to change.