On 15 April 2021 the Netherlands will organise a multi-stakeholder high-level meeting as part of the World Circular Economy Forum to address the links between the circular economy and climate.

Accelerating circularity

The Netherlands is an active member in the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE). The special online high-level meeting is to help to prepare for upcoming international climate negotiations and aims to position the circular economy higher on the COP and broader international agenda. 

The objective is also to broaden the coalition of the willing, build bridges between the public and private sector, and include more developing countries into the global debate on the benefits of circularity. The event will take place both in the Netherlands and online.

Beyond energy efficiency

A circular economy can play an important role in addressing this crisis. By designing out waste, avoiding pollution and keeping materials in use as long as possible, we can reduce climate emissions by about 20%. To achieve climate neutrality, we need to look beyond energy efficiency, and all work towards a circular shift across the world.

In WCEF+Climate’s 13 sessions, leaders from government, business and civil society from all corners of our planet will commit to bold action, scale up their commitments, and share best practices for a just transition to a circular economy. If we are to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, we must look towards a circular future.

Beyond Covid

‘The Netherlands is very much looking forward to hosting a high level WCEF meeting on the circular economy and climate change on 15 April 2021. There is no doubt that the transition to a circular economy is crucial in reaching our climate goals.

We need to recognise the large and cost-effective contribution that the circular economy can make in building a more sustainable society, especially in the post-COVID-19 world’, says Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands Ms. Stientje van Veldhoven.

The next World Circular Economy Forum will take place in Toronto, Canada from 13 - 15 September 2021. 

Dutch Minister for the Environment, Stientje van Veldhoven, welcomes you to the World Circular Economy Forum + Climate conference on 15 - 16 April.