Circular solutions for sustainable and just transitions to be featured at UNEA-7
The Government of Finland, together with the One Planet Network, will convene an official UNEA-7 side event bringing global leaders together to spotlight the policies, partnerships and practical solutions needed to accelerate the transition to a circular economy worldwide. The event is co-hosted by the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (Sitra & Enabel), the Governments of Brazil and Senegal, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Enabling circular solutions for achieving sustainable and just transitions and resilient societies for all will take place on Thursday, 11 December 2025, from 18:15 to 19:45 (EAT) at the Mount Kilimanjaro Room, UNEP HQ, Nairobi. The session is open to all UNEA-7 participants and will be livestreamed free of charge.
As countries confront intertwined climate, biodiversity, resource and social challenges, the circular economy offers a transformative pathway to decouple development from resource use while strengthening economic resilience and improving wellbeing. This high-level dialogue will examine the global case for circularity and identify the enabling policy, financial and institutional conditions required to move from ambition to implementation.
The discussion will also showcase international initiatives and cooperation mechanisms advancing circular economy action, including the work of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) / One Planet Network and the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (CERC). Real-world country experiences and sectoral perspectives will illustrate how circular approaches can deliver tangible socio-ecological benefits and be replicated across diverse contexts.
The event will open with perspectives from:
- H.E. Ms. Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment, Finland
- Ms. Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
- Ms. Norma Munguía, Director General for Global Issues, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico
Keynotes will be delivered by:
- Dr. Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel
- Mr. Steven Stone, Deputy Director, Industry and Economy Division, UNEP
A multi-stakeholder panel will bring insights from government, business and civil society:
- Dr. Baba Dramé, Ministry of Environment & Sustainable Development, Senegal
- Mr. Quentin Drewell, World Business Council on Sustainable Development
- Mr. Alex Kubasu, WWF Kenya
By convening diverse stakeholders, the Government of Finland and partners aim to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange to accelerate circular economy transitions that support environmental ambition while advancing equity, resilience and prosperity for all.
Participation
Date & time: Thursday, 11 December 2025 | 18:15–19:45 (EAT)
Venue: Mount Kilimanjaro Room, UNEP HQ, UNEA-7
Onsite: Open to all UNEA participants, free of charge
Online: Free livestream access: Watch Here on Youtube
