Last week, several partners of the JUST2CE project met online for the Accelerator session entitled “JUST2CE, working towards an inclusive and just transition to Circular Economy”, as part of the World Circular Economy Forum 2022.

Some 40 participants joined the online webinar during which panellists explored the concept of Circular Economy and what transitioning to a Circular Economy implies for North/South relations. They replied to a set of key questions, presenting the topic with a multi-disciplinary approach, and focusing on the political economy and geopolitics of the transition to Circular Economy and how existing power relations might hamper this much needed transition.

The speakers discussed grounded alternatives to reconfigure North/South relations to achieve a just and inclusive transition to Circular Economy and how cooperation on research and innovation is critical to improve global wellbeing, foster good governance and enhance participation to policy-making processes.

The full session is now available on Youtube:

Programme:

  • Organizer: MedWaves, the UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre for SCP.
  • Key-note speech and moderation: Sally-Anne Kasner, ACEN
  • Thematic Contribution 1, JUST2CE framework: Dr. Andrea Jimenez (University of Sheffield)
  • Thematic Contribution 1, JUST2CE Lowerland: Prof. Gavin Andersson (UCT- University of Cape Town).
  • Thematic Contribution 2, JUST2CE Agbogbloshie : Dr. Keren Naa Abeka Arthur, University of Cape Coast.
  • Thematic Contribution 3, Effects of Circular Economy Transition on Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Mr. Paul Lucas, Senior Policy Analyst PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
  • Thematic Contribution 4, Decolonizing Circular Economy : Dr. Emanuela Girei, University of Sheffield.
  • Conclusion remarks: Mr. Stéphane Arditi (EEB)& Ms. Sally-Anne Kasner (ACEN)