UNEA7 Side-Event: Enabling circular solutions for achieving sustainable and just transitions and resilient societies for all

This official UNEA7 side-event introduces international initiatives, platforms and mechanisms that enable the advancement of circular economy solutions. Namely, the UNEP 10YFP and EU Circular Economy Resource Centre are presented as initiatives with a global reach working towards a circular economy transformation. The side-event discusses the global case and imperative for circular economy targeting at the conditions that enable advancing circular economy solutions that enhance resilience of societies and well-being of people globally. The panelists, representing governments of Brazil and Senegal, as well as business and civil society, discuss concrete examples and solutions on circular economy approaches that contribute to increased socio-ecological resilience that can be replicable in other countries.

Thursday December 11, 2025 18:15 - 19:45 EAT

Agenda:

Opening Remarks

H.E Ms. Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment, Finland
Ms. Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission

Keynote Messages

Insights from the Global Resources Outlook 2024 and the Way Forward
Dr. Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel
Advancing Sustainable Consumption and Production through the 10YFP: Creating Enabling Conditions for Well-being, Equity, and Responsible Resource Use
Ms. Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director, Industry and Economy Division, UNEP

Examples of Initiatives Advancing the Circular Economy

Presentation of the 10YFP
Mr. Jorge Laguna-Celis, Head, One Planet Network Secretariat, UNEP (via video)
CERC: Mobilizing Know-How through the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre
Ms. Johanna Suikkanen, Leading Specialist, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra

Panel Discussion: Enabling the Global Circular Economy Transition
Strengthening partnerships, financing mechanisms, and technical cooperation

Panelists:

Mr. Baba Dramé, Director of Environmental Regulation and Control, Ministry of Environment, Senegal
Delegate of Brazil (TBC), Brazil
Mr. Quentin Drewell, Senior Director, Products & Materials, WBCSD
Mr. Alex Kubasu, Policy and Green Economy Coordinator, WWF Kenya

Moderation & Closing Remarks:

Ms. Annika Lindblom, Director for International and EU Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Finland, and Co-Chair of the 10YFP Board

Learn more Here: Discover the UNEA7 Side-Event Webpage

Published on November 24, 2025