Event | Trade in circularity: Perspectives of developing and transition economies

AUTHORS: Antoine Oger – Eline Blot

This event explores the interlinkages between trade policies and circular economy concepts by providing insights on specific sectors, opportunities, and challenges for developing and transition economies through concrete examples.

Thursday 2 December
16:30-17:45 CET
Register here (session 20)

About the event

This session explores the interconnections between trade policies and circular economy concepts by providing insights on specific sectors, opportunities, and challenges for developing and transition economies through concrete examples. The session is co-organised by the UNECE, the Finnish Innovation Fund SITRA and the Institute for European Environmental Policy as part of IISD’s Trade and Sustainability Hub conference.

Topic

As the circularity transition spreads around the globe, the practicalities of a new economic order come to the forefront. Trade is a key connector and enabler. The way we produce, consume, rent, repair, recycle, and reintegrate our goods and materials into the economy is intricately linked through global value chains. Novel policy areas like circular product policy, standards and product traceability along international value chains, or the promotion of more circular infrastructure through public-private partnerships offer important entry points. Especially for developing and transition economies, trade and economic cooperation can offer many opportunities. However, the transition to a circular economy requires effective knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices among all actors, including governments, businesses, think tanks and international organizations.

Main points under discussion:

What can be the role of trade policy initiatives, especially by the EU, in supporting a circular economy transition? What can be the role of circular product policy, standards, supply chain traceability and other entry points for developing a more sustainable, circular trade policy in the context of global recovery?
What are the specific needs of developing countries and countries with economies in transition? What are the experiences of different countries around the world and what can be done to encourage – rather than hinder – circular value chains and trade?
What incentives and support mechanisms are necessary to help developing and transition economies’ private sector in its move towards more circular business models? How do SMEs experience international trade experiences in a circular economy framework?

Moderator

Ms. Elisabeth Tuerk, Director, Economic Cooperation and Trade, UNECE

Panel discussion

Mr. Antoine Oger, Head of Global Challenges and SDGs, Institute for European Environmental Policy
Mr. Ilkhom Khaydarov, Chairman, UzTextileProm
Ms. Nertila Boka, Republic of Albania (tbc)
Ms. Sarah Mohan, Associate Programme Officer, International Trade Centre
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe (she/her), General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA)
Ms. Malena Sell, Leading Specialist on Circular Economy for Biodiversity, SitraA