WCEF Side Events present circular economy solutions from around the globe and attract an international audience. They address specific topics related to the circular economy and the role circularity plays in the economies of the future, as well as in the fight against climate change and the nature crisis.

Side events can take place any time during 2022, excluding the days of the annual WCEF (6-8 December). If you are interested in organising a WCEF Side Event, please submit your application by filling in the application form. Please note that it takes us a few days to process the arriving applications.

The organisers are responsible for all practicalities, expenses and inquiries related to organising and participating in the side events. Side events may be organised either virtually or locally.

Tuesday 1 February 2022

Circular business models: overcoming barriers & unleashing potentials

A successful adoption of circular business models is crucial to trigger the transformation process of industries towards a circular economy. This event fosters a dialogue among experts and shares insights on successful cases.

Organiser: Circular Economy Initiative Deutschland / acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering
Time: 10:00-11:30 UTC+2

Wednesday 2 February

Road maps towards circularity – experiences from the Netherlands, the Nordics and Germany

The German circular economy road map outlines the key elements for a transition towards circularity. This panel discussion with EU experts will provide insights on the implementation of circular strategies and how the necessary co-operation across countries can be fostered.

Organiser: Circular Economy Initiative Deutschland / acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering
Time: 10:00-11:30 UTC+2

Tuesday 15 February

The role of sustainable waste management in building a low-carbon, closed-cycle economy

This roundtable brings together European and Russian experts in ecology, ESG, solid waste management and carbon neutrality. The target is to sign the St. Petersburg Carbon Declaration on the creation of the innovative international Baltic Carbon Research Center.

Organiser: St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise – St. Petersburg Information and Analytical Centre
Time: 13:00-16:00 UTC+2

Wednesday 16 February

Request for Information (RFI) roundtable discussion

REMADE’s Request for Information (RFI) roundtable discussion aims to turbocharge the US manufacturing industry’s transition to a circular economy. The roundtable is open to everyone! Innovators with industry, academia, government and non-profits are especially encouraged to attend.

Organiser: REMADE Institute
Time: 21:00-23:00 UTC+2

Thursday 18 February

Circular SMEs across Europe: mechanical engineering in a circular economy

The virtual circular economy journey of the Green Economy Network NRW has set out to find European best practice examples that take a circular approach to mechanical engineering. This event showcases the best practices from small and medium-sized companies.

Organisers: Prosperkolleg and the Green Economy Network North-Rhine Westphalia
Time: 11:00-13:00 UTC+2

Wednesday 23 February

Data-enabled circular cities: applications and future directions

How can we harness the potential of data for the public good? In this webinar, experts and practitioners will demonstrate a set of IT solutions and discuss how digital technology is rapidly becoming a key enabler for unlocking the value from circular economy strategies.

Organiser: REFLOW – Horizon 2020 project
Time: 13:00-14:00 UTC+2

Tuesday 1 March

Report launch: prospects for transitioning from a linear to circular economy in developing Asia

The editors and a panel of contributors will discuss circular economy principles, opportunities and challenges, and policy recommendations for promoting circularity and greater sustainable development in the region.

Organisers: Sitra and the Asian Development Bank Institute
Time: 9:00-10:00 UTC+2

Monday 14 to Friday 18 March

Second Turkey Circular Economy Week (II TCEW)

Experts will discuss topics like sustainable development goals, global experiences in green economy transformation, the European Green Deal, carbon border adjustment mechanism, circular economy solutions, clean technology and innovation, fair transition, and circular cities.

Organisers: Business World and Sustainable Development Association (SKD Turkey), Business For Goals and D Cube
Time: see separate programme on the event website

Thursday 24 March

Circular economy – a powerful tool for turning the tide on biodiversity loss

This event explores the potential of a circular economy to tackle biodiversity loss, including the role it can play in the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and to address SDG targets 7 (pollution), 10 (sustainable agriculture and forestry), 15 (businesses) and 16 (consumption). The event is also a Convention on Biological Diversity side event.

Organisers: Sitra, the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the European Commission
Time: 14:15-15:45 UTC+2

Friday 25 March

How to create a sustainable company

Circular economy approaches can help companies seize new opportunities and gain competitive advantages. Join this event to learn how to create sustainable and responsible CSR partnerships. The event language is Spanish.

Organiser: Asociación Fundadoras
Time: 13:30-14:30 UTC+2

Wednesday 30 March

Circular Cities Conference: REFLOW and Beyond virtual day

This event zooms in on the different responsibilities of research, industry, the FabLab movement, politics and citizens. It highlights how these actors can and need to work together to enable the transition of European cities towards circular and regenerative practices.

Organisers: REFLOW EU Project and the Copenhagen Business School
Time: 10:00-16:00 UTC+3

Thursday 31 March

Circular Cities Conference: REFLOW and Beyond live day

REFLOW has worked with a range of fields and developed solutions for six distinct materials. The solutions will be presented and discussed, including how these approaches were used during the development and implementation of the solutions and how they can be scaled.

Organisers: REFLOW EU Project and the Copenhagen Business School
Time: 10:00-18:30 UTC+3

Thursday 31 to Friday 1 April

Research seminar: tackling manufacturing pollution in the South

This seminar will discuss themes related to the pursuit of SDG 12 in developing countries, especially as growing trade integration and economic diversification cast a shadow of pollution linked to local production. Cases will be discussed for plastics and tanneries.

Organiser: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Time: 10:00-13:15 UTC+3

Tuesday 5 April

The webinar examines how circularity in the apparel value chain impacts society in the Netherlands. We will also introduce the Social Impact Assessment Framework for Circular Economy, SIAF-CE⚥, which assesses social impacts for workers and communities.

Organiser: Utrecht University
Time: 14:00-15:00 UTC+3

Wednesday 6 April

Institutional arrangements for the circular economy and the sustainable use of natural resources

The public sector and others will discuss synergies between the different governmental institutions and share best practices on basic administrative requirements for circular economy policymaking. The event will launch a new multi-stakeholder platform.

Organiser: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Time: 18:15-19:30 UTC+3

Thursday 28 April

Frush

With local and international speakers, pitch competitions and panel discussions, the fourth annual FRUSH facilitates cooperation between growth-oriented entrepreneurs, startups, investors and research institutes, and aims to accelerate the circular economy.

Organisers: Häme University of Applied Sciences and Forssan Yrityskehitys Oy
Time: 9:00-18:00 UTC+3

Monday 2 to Sunday 8 May

Circular City Week New York

The biggest circular economy festival in the US, Circular City Week New York, is a free and collaborative festival for circular economy related events. Activities during the week emphasise how circular practices such as reuse, recycling and upcycling are transforming urban industries.

Organiser: Danish Cleantech Hub
Time: see separate programme on the event website

Monday 16 May

Addressing international impacts of the Dutch circular economy transition

The seminar will present and discuss the key messages of a new PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency policy brief on the risks and opportunities of the Dutch circular economy transition for low- and middle-income countries.

Organiser: PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
Time: 16:00-17:30 UTC+3

Tuesday 17 May

The France-Finland conference on the circular economy 2022

What is needed to create a circular economy that brings us towards a resilient and sustainable society? This event brings together Franco-Finnish speakers and experts on the circular economy and sustainability science, coming from different research disciplines and sectors.

Organisers: Embassy of France to Finland, Institut Français of Finland, CERDI (CNRS/UCA), European Centre of Excellence on Sustainability and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.
Time: 15:00-16:30 UTC+3

Tuesday 24 May

Investing in the sub-Saharan circular economy

This is a half-day event about circular economy entrepreneurship in sSub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on Rwanda. At the event, you’ll hear from trailblazing entrepreneurs, industry experts, policy makers, and investors.

Organiser: BESTSELLER Foundation
Time: 14:00-18:30 UTC+3

Circular SMEs across Europe: ICT & electronics

During our virtual tour of Europe we will stop to meet companies that work with electronics in a circular economy. We will hear hands-on experiences from various angles at the interface of electronics and the circular economy and engage in a panel discussion with these pioneers.

Organisers: Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), Circular Flanders, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the Green Economy Network North-Rhine Westphalia
Time: 15:00-17:00 UTC+3

Wednesday 25 May

Enhancing the contribution of MSMEs in the facilitation of the circular economy transition & green post-COVID 19 resurgence

Join us to discuss recent trends in the circular economy agenda and its role in socio-economic development in the UNECE region. We will explore policy measures and practices to promote micro-SME business opportunities and models based on circular economy principles.

Organisers: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, CIRCULAR STEP
Time: 12:00-14:00 UTC+3

Wednesday 1 June

S-Moving, a transition to efficient urban mobility

This international online event promotes and debates the different points of view on a green energy transition for sustainable, ecological and efficient urban transport. We will try to inspire other companies to adopt sustainable energy. The event language is Spanish.

Organisers: Finnova and Fymca
Time: 17:00-19:00 UTC+3

Thursday 2 June

Business models and innovation for sustainability transition

Business models enable systemic change and transformation. Come learn how innovation, behavioural change, sustainable funding, corporate responsibility and social justice can be part of sustainable business models.

Organiser: Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Time: 13:00-16:30 UTC+3

Green cities: follow us to the new era

This event will bring together actors in sustainable urban management to share knowledge and experiences that inspire the future of governance, transport and territories. This is a benchmark program in terms of research, experiences, success stories and analysis solutions. The event language is Spanish.

Organisers: Finnova and Fymca
Time: 17:00-19:00 UTC+3

10th annual Sustainability Leadership awards

Learn how businesses are implementing sustainability projects, communicating their sustainability goals and reporting their progress to customers and stakeholders for greatest impact. Meet, network and share knowledge with industry leaders and professionals.

Organiser: Sustainability Leadership
Time: 20:00-01:00 UTC+3

Monday 13 June

Tackling root causes: halting biodiversity loss through the circular economy

A circular economy plays a key role in halting and reversing global biodiversity loss. At this webinar we will discuss the findings of Sitra’s new study and its linkages to key business and policy measures.

Organiser: Sitra
Time: 10:00-11:00 UTC+3

Monday 13 to Tuesday 14 June

Arctic Circular Economy Forum 2022

ACEF 2022 offers interesting and timely discussion on the circular economy in the Arctic region. The programme covers the Finnish industrial circular economy scene. Join us for networking live at Kemi, Finland! The event language is Finnish.

Organisers: Digipolis, Sitra and others
Time: see separate programme on the event website

Monday 13 to Friday 17 June

Circular Economy Week 2022

The fifth annual Circular Economy Week (#CEweek2022) is a showcase and celebration of the work being done to accelerate cities’ transition to a low-carbon circular economy. This year we will focus on rebuilding the economy, jobs and skills in a better, more sustainable way.

Organiser: ReLondon
Time: see separate programme on the event website

Thursday 23 June

Womanation Congress

The aim of the congress is to promote the culture and practices of the sustainable economy and social responsibility for the common good. It includes the implementation and promotion of certain Sustainable Development Goals. The event language is Spanish.

Organisers: Mesa de la Ingeniería Valenciana, TalentGrowth Management and Finnova
Time: 10:30-20:30 UTC+3

Wednesday 13 July

Circular SMEs across Europe: food and nutrients

This event introduces European companies that work with biodegradable resources in a circular economy. We will hear about practical experiences at the interface of food and the circular economy and participate in a panel discussion with several pioneers of the movement.

Organisers: INNOWO, ZENIT, Enterprise Europe Network and the Green Economy Network North-Rhine Westphalia
Time: 11:00-12:00 UTC+3

Vision for a circular energy sector in Nigeria

The energy sector remains a significant contributor to GHG emissions. Some African countries still battle with energy supply and access. Join us to discuss policy, governance and projects to improve access to affordable and clean energy sources with a focus on Nigeria.

Organisers: African Circular Economy Network (Nigerian Chapter) and Ampak Nigeria Limited
Time: 15:00-18:00 UTC+3

Thursday 21 July

Fashion and textiles in Africa

This workshop, first of a five-part series, aims to stimulate the conversation on circularity in the textiles and fashion industry in Africa, focusing on how successful circular initiatives in the industry overcame barriers to entry.

Organiser: African Circular Economy Network (ACEN)
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3

Circular economy policies and legislations: experiences from emerging economies

This event entails discussions around the need for circular economy legislation in emerging economies, the barriers and enablers of such legislation, as well as the benefits of implementing them. The aim of the event is to foster such discussions in the developing world.

Organisers: Circular Innovation Lab (CIL) and Chatham House
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3

Thursday 25 August

Circularity in Africa: packaging

The workshop will lay the groundwork for action African stakeholders in various areas of the value chain, including recycling, innovative collection methods, bio-plastic production and research on the transition to circular packaging in Africa.

Organiser: African Circular Economy Network
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3

Wednesday 7 September to Wednesday 12 October

Designs for a cooler planet

Imagine a life where everything we use is recycled, upcycled and wisely produced, a life where global warming is capped at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Aalto University’s researchers and designers invite you to events and exhibitions in Espoo, Finland to experience and explore what Life 1.5 could be like.

Organiser: Aalto University
Time: see separate programme on the event website

Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 September

Circular Economy Hotspot

The Circular Economy Hotspot will be held in North-Rhine Westphalia. Discuss the circular economy, conservation of resources and efficiency enhancements with world-renowned experts from business, politics, science and public initiatives, and gain insights through practical examples.

Organiser: City of Bottrop
Time: see separate programme on the event website

Thursday 15 September

Cross-border opportunities in chemical recycling

This cross-border event will focus on chemical recycling, a trending topic that will likely play a crucial role in making the chemical industry circular and climate-neutral. The event includes collaboration and matchmaking with German and Dutch groups.

Organiser: Holland Circular Hotspot
Time: 11:00-18:15 UTC+3

Saturday 17 September

WEBCON: City of the future

The WEBCON is a science and science fiction convention. In this first live event we will also talk about climate change and the “city of the future” from an ecological, ethical and technological point of view. The event language is Italian.

Organiser: Eventi la Fenice
Time: 18:30-20:30 UTC+3

Thursday 22 September

Managing methane emissions starts with managing organic waste

Organic waste in landfills is one of the largest sources of methane emissions. Join us as we dive into opportunities to curb emissions through organic waste management and the business case to do it.

Organisers: Delterra and the United Nations Climate and Clean Air Coalition
Time: 15:00-16:00 UCT+3

Circularity in Africa: built environment

We will discuss how to implement circular economy principles in the built environment. These include improving operational life with circular design, sustainable building materials and the construction of green buildings, as well as circular approaches to managing waste and wastewater.

Organiser: African Circular Economy Network (ACEN)
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3

Monday 26 September to Monday 7 November

Circular economy business challenge

Outdated education methods must make room for learning practical technical skills and soft skills. This event offers young Africans the opportunity to apply circularity in a business context and solve a problem for their local community.

Organiser: African Leadership University
Time: contact event organiser for more information

Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 September

Circular materials at the Materials Science and Engineering Conference 2022

Materials science faces challenges in the circular economy. All steps in the circular economy of materials will be covered in seven symposia, from resource-efficient production of semi-finished parts via material and product design to their use, re-use and recycling.

Organiser: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde e.V.
Time: 10:00-19:00 UTC+3

Wednesday 5 to Friday 7 October

The 5th Indonesia Circular Economy Forum 2022

The Indonesia Circular Economy Forum (ICEF) brings together stakeholders active in the broad field of the circular economy in Indonesia. As a platform, it goes beyond sectoral activities and highlights cross-sector opportunities.

Organiser: Greeneration Foundation
Time: see separate programme on the event website

Wednesday 12 October

Bringing new life to plastics

Learn more about Nigeria’s and Ghana’s business culture and speak to experts about plastic recycling in the region. The event language is Finnish.

Organiser: Team Finland
Time: 10:00-11:30 UTC+3

Friday 14 October

Trade and circular value chains: opportunities for emerging economies

This event shows how trade policies and measures could support circular value chains and how to build capacities for better circular trade. The event has a special focus on policymakers.

Organisers: Circular Innovation Lab (CIL), Chatham House, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and International Trade Centre
Time: 16:00-17:45 UTC+3

Thursday 20 October

Circularity in Africa: electronics

During this session we will show how the circular economy can be used to overcome challenges in the electronic waste industry and create economic opportunities in Africa.

Organiser: African Circular Economy Network (ACEN)
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3

Circular Economy Toolkit launch: Africa

The Impact Hub is launching their Embedding Circularity toolkit for Africa! We help entrepreneurs develop knowledge of the circular economy, build their team’s capacity and integrate circularity as a design principal.

Organiser: Impact Hub
Time: 19:00-22:00 UTC+3

Monday 24 October

Increasing investments to achieve sustainable business models for green jobs creation

The event is part of the yearly Global Green Growth Week. The circular economy and waste management in Africa session helps develop a social and circular economy that drives the creation of green jobs and financial wealth.

Organiser: Global Green Growth Institute
Time: 18:00-19:30 UTC+3

Thursday 27 October

Circular economy roadmaps will accelerate the circular transition and climate change adaptation

This event highlights the benefits of the circular economy on the societal level and gives tools to governments to create a national circular economy road map by involving a wide range of stakeholders.

Organisers: African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and Africa Circular Economy Facility (AfDB ACEF)
Time: 12:00-14:00 UTC+3

Decision-makers face a choice today. The circular economy will not be socially just by default. This session will explore how governments and multilateral organisations can tackle environmental challenges in a way that promotes decent jobs and secure livelihoods for all.

Organisers: Circular Jobs Initiative and Circle Economy
Time: 15:00-16:00 UTC+3

Monday 31 October

Circulytics: measure your company’s circular economy performance

Circulytics is a free, comprehensive tool developed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation that enables companies to measure their circularity across their entire operations — highlighting successes and areas for improvement. Find out how Circulytics can benefit your company’s sustainability reporting.

Organiser: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Time: 17:00-17:45 UTC+2

Monday 7 November

Join four social businesses in Kenya who will share their journey in the circular economy. Learn from founders who developed a circular business idea from scratch and others who identified opportunities to implement circular approaches to their existing business.

Organiser: Yunus Environment Hub
Time: 15:30-16:15 UTC+2

Wednesday 9 November

Implementation of eco-industrial parks in Uganda: policies and measures

During this workshop, researchers share the findings of a ground-breaking research project that investigated the implementation of eco-industrial parks in Uganda and developed a measuring framework for eco-industrial parks in the region.

Organiser: African Leadership University
Time: 8:00-10:00 UTC+2

Sustainability, small business and the circular economy

As a leading provider of world-class entrepreneurial support programmes for African entrepreneurs, Fetola provides insights from their Circular Economy Accelerator and speaks about the circular economy, market demand and green finance in driving positive impact.

Organiser: Fetola
Time: 12:30-15:00 UTC+2

Which path might the circular economy take in Africa

In a Kigali workshop in October 2022, a collection of African professionals and students contemplated various futures for how the circular economy might play out in Africa. Join us to hear their thoughts.

Organiser: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Time: 17:00-18:00 UTC+2

Thursday 10 November

From data to action – Circular Design Network Project

Circular Design Network Project will share insights to data-enabled circular battery, textile and agri-food value chains. Join us for top keynotes, learn about the project results and network with key stakeholders on data for circularity.

Organiser: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Time: 12:00-15:30 UTC+2

Circular economy and international trade: opportunities & challenges for South Asia

The event shows how international trade policies and regulations could support the circular economy transition in South Asia and how to build better international trade, with a special focus on policymakers.

Organisers: Circular Innovation Lab, Chatham House and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Time: 14:00-15:45 UTC+2

Wednesday 16 November

During this workshop, researchers share the findings of two different research projects: the circular economy in Uganda and the implementation of eco-industrial parks in the country. They explain circular economy perspectives, developments, and benefits at the city and industry levels.

Organiser: African Leadership University
Time: 8:00-13:00 UTC+2

Thursday 17 November

Accelerating regenerative agriculture practices for resilient food systems: research insights from Rwanda

This event is inspired by research that investigated how sustainable practices and circular economy principles can be applied to improve food security and resilient food systems in Rwanda.

Organiser: African Leadership University
Time: 9:00-13:00 UTC+2

Circularity in Africa: food systems

This session will focus on the transition to a circular food systems value chain and how the circular economy can aid in adapting the African food system for a growing population.

Organiser: African Circular Economy Network (ACEN)
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+2

Design a circular business model with a serious game*

This is a collaborative workshop to understand the circular economy through the design angle. You will play as a team to rethink a company’s current activity and make it evolve towards efficiency and optimisation of resources, designing out waste, and regeneration of ecosystems. *Please note that this event charges a fee to attend.

Organiser: Circulab
Time: 19:00-21:00 UTC+2

Tuesday 22 November

How to reduce the impact of plastics in healthcare?

This is the first of a two-part webinar series aimed at healthcare professionals, covering the harmful impact of plastics and applying circular economy principles to reduce plastics in the healthcare sector.

Organiser: Health Care Without Harm Europe
Time: 11:00-12:30 UTC+2

Webinar on closing infrastructure material cycles through European cooperation

This webinar will identify blind spots and activate European co-operation to close the material cycles of asphalt and cement. What are the stakes, obstacles and opportunities?

Organisers: Rijkswaterstaat, German Sustainable Building Council, SGS intron, Holland Circular Hotspot, European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform
Time: 15:00-17:00 UTC+2

Tuesday 22 to Wednesday 23 November

Four circular economy innovations which can drive growth

How can you create building blocks from waste? Which energy efficiency measures for buildings should you invest in? How can you make fertilisers, fuel and energy from biowaste and sludges? How has the collection of biowaste developed? This event presents solutions for a circular economy. The event language is Finnish.

Organisers: City of Lappeenranta
Time: 9:00-16:00 UTC+2

Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 November

Nordic Circular Summit

Nordic Circular Summit is the biggest conference on the circular economy focusing on the Nordics. The three-day hybrid event explores a wide range of topics from circular tools and regenerative materials to financing and communicating circularity.

Organisers: Nordic Circular Hotspot and Nordic Innovation
Time: 10:00-18:00 UTC+2

ICCC Talk Burkina Faso 2022: Towards a circular economy in the built environment and environmental protection sectors

This conference brings together international and local specialists to share challenges, opportunities and experiences from the construction and environment sectors. It includes panel discussions, exhibitions and site visits.

Organisers: International Circular Construction Cluster, Construction Cluster of Slovenia and the Burkinabè network for a more circular economy
Time: 10:30-19:00 UTC+2

Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 November

Basque Circular Summit 2022: walking the talk

The Basque Circular Summit 2022 will focus on three priorities: analysing the challenges of the EU’s Sustainable Product Initiative, sharing the results of Basque companies’ circular innovative projects, and building up an answer to six circular public-private opportunities for 2030.

Organisers: Ihobe, Basque Environmental Agency and Spri Basque Business Development Agency
Time: 10:00-20:00 UTC+2

Thursday 24 November

Accelerate regenerative agriculture practices for resilient food systems: a case study from Kenya

This event is inspired by research that investigated how sustainable practices and circular economy principles can be applied to improve food security and resilient food systems in Kenya.

Organiser: African Leadership University
Time: 8:00-12:00 UTC+2

Thursday 24 to Friday 25 November

Circularity 2022

Circularity is a new 2-day event to share knowledge, collaborate and drive actionable change towards a more circular future. Circularity’s conference sessions, exhibition and awards dinner will bring thought leaders together to discuss solutions and catalyse action.

Organisers: Planet Ark Environmental Foundation, Australian Circular Economy Hub, Diversified Communications
Time: 23:00-07:30 UTC+2

Friday 25 November

A fair and global approach to reducing resource use

In this event, we welcome voices that address how we could govern global resource use in a sustainable and just way. How to reduce our total resource use whilst safeguarding human wellbeing and create a just transition for all?

Organisers: European Environmental Bureau, OVAM, ECESP
Time: 15:00-16:30 UTC+2

Wednesday 30 November

Focus on Canadian business circularity 2022

This event showcases a spectrum of Canadian businesses from across the country, from startup to experienced, who are implementing circularity principles. Join us in our second year of networking as we learn from each other and inspire others globally.

Organisers: Circular Economy Clubs of Canada (Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver)
Time: 19:00-20:30 UTC+2

Thursday 1 December

Artificial intelligence and the circular economy in Africa: key considerations for a just transition

Could the circular economy model and artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa form the pathway to an African “twin transition”? Join the discussion with key experts on the considerations needed to enhance circularity in Africa through leveraging AI.

Organiser: Data Economy Policy Hub (DepHUB)
Time: 15:00-16:00 UTC+2

Saturday 3 to Monday 5 December

Circular economy hackathon

This event provides participants a platform to find circular solutions to problems based on themes identified in the African Circular Economy Alliance’s 5 big bets for Africa’s path to circularity, including priority areas identified by the Ministry of Environment in Rwanda.

Organiser: African Leadership University
Time: 9:00-17:00 UTC+2

Monday 5 December

Unlocking circular economy finance in Latin America and the Caribbean

This session will present the findings and recommendations from a new report on finance in Latin America and the Caribbean. It will promote multistakeholder dialogue and learnings for the South.
The event language is Spanish.

Organisers: Circular Economy Coalition for Latin America and the Caribbean
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+2

Wednesday 7 December

WCEF2022: African-Nordic gathering in Oslo*

This event invites stakeholders in African–Nordic circular businesses to hear a broadcast from our representatives in Kigali, Rwanda, with reflections and a summary of events from WCEF2022, as well as curated talks and a panel discussion with representatives present in Oslo.
*This event is by invitation only.

Organisers: Nordic Innovation and Nordic Circular Hotspot
Time: 18:00-21:00 UTC+2

Boosting the circular economy in Africa through hubs*

A high-level dinner session on the importance of circular economy hubs on the African continent. The hubs play an important role as they can spark and accelerate the transition to local and global circularity and contribute to climate goals, SDGs, resource resilience and job creation.
*This event is by invitation only.

Organisers: Government of the Netherlands, Nordic Innovation, ACEN, Holland Circular Hotspot with partners
Time: 18:00-21:00 UTC+2

Saturday 10 December

Reduce-reuse-recycle: market pop-up

A pop-up event, showcasing local businesses promoting a circular economy and reduce-reuse-recycle mentality in the community. Learn how these businesses are making a difference in the community and how you can play a role in supporting them.

Organisers: Kigali Farmers and Artisans Market and PIMA Zero Waste Shop
Time: 9:00-18:00 UTC+2

Thursday 15 December

Breeding circular entrepreneurship through makerspaces: success stories and lessons learnt towards scaling up

Join the closing event of Pop-Machina’s Circular Maker Accelerator Programme to hear from six municipal makerspaces presenting their experience in running an accelerator programme and eight maker projects who have been developed with the support of their cities’ makerspaces.

Organiser: Pop-Machina H2020 project
Time: 16:00-21:30 UTC+2

Tuesday 13 December

Plastic recycling transformation in Ghana

The event will focus on finding similarities and exploring collaborative economic pathways in the promotion of the circular economy between Finland and Ghana.

Organiser: Business Finland
Time: 10:00-15:00 UTC+2

Design a circular business model with a serious game*

Organiser: Circulab
Time: 19:00-21:00 UTC+2

Thursday 15 December

Packaging: the best starting point for more circular solutions?

Are packaged products a challenge for you in terms of impact? How to bring packaging into the circular economy? Meet Canadian and European panellists to discuss these questions and make bridges of fruitful cooperation between both continents!

Organisers: Look4Loops, Albumine and Circulab
Time: 18:30-20:00 UTC+2

About

WCEF Side Events are part of the World Circular Economy Forum concept. The organisers of these side events have an opportunity to present their circular economy solutions and engage an international and local audience. They also get to highlight their work in supporting the development of a circular economy.

In the beginning, side events were organised in close proximity to the annual WCEF conference. The WCEF concept has since been updated and selected additional events will be held between the annual WCEF conferences. The annual WCEF2022 conference will take place on 6-8 December in Kigali, Rwanda, and other parts of Africa.

At the moment, countries all over the world are still struggling with an economic downturn caused by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep people inspired and the discussions around the circular economy ongoing, a number of WCEF Side Events will be organised during 2022.