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Global Opening WCEF+Climate – A Circular Economy by 2050: A Necessity for Climate Neutrality

Thursday, 15 April, 15:00 – 16:00 CEST, Channel 1

During the Global Opening of the World Circular Economy Forum + Climate, key actors from around the world will address the crucial role of a circular economy in the fight against climate change.

During WCEF+Climate representatives of governments, organisations, the private sector and civil society will discuss and share ideas on the need for an international just transition towards a low-carbon economy. The circular economy is critical for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“It is time that we make a circular economy our worst-kept secret: a circular economy should be our ‘mainstream’ instrument to achieve climate objectives, complementing policies focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency.”
– Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands, Stientje van Veldhoven.

Speakers include:

  • H.E. Ms Stientje van Veldhoven, Minister for the Environment, the Netherlands
  • Jyrki Katainen, President of The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra
  • H.E. Mr Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice President, European Commission
  • H.E. Ms Carolina Schmidt, Minister of the Environment, Chile
  • H.E. Mr Keriako Tobiko, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya
  • Joost de Kluijver, Chief Executive Officer of Closing the Loop
  • H.E. Ms Inger Andersen, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
  • H.E. Mr Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme
  • Ovais Sarmad, Deputy Executive Secretary of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • Eefke van de Wouw, Audience Liaison – Environmentalist
  • Ikenna Azuike, Moderator

Other sessions on WCEF+Climate day 1