WCEF Impact Analyses

Circular Change was honored to contribute to the assessment on how the World Circular Economy Forum has impacted the global transition towards the circular economy. SITRA who lead the assessment project was able to reimagine the forum and consider the strategic choices and objectives this collaboration platform should have in the future.

As shared by Sulkinoja Mika of SITRA, according to the impact analysis, the WCEF has increased global understanding of the circular economy and made it possible for new actors to familiarise themselves with the concept. It also showed that the demand for a solutions oriented, positive, credible and competent organisation and partner network to guide and support the direction of the global circular economy discussion, will continue growing as national and business interests grow stronger.

Many are calling for a tighter integration of the WCEF with other international sustainability agendas to align policies for a system level change. On the other hand, collaboration with other sector and industry specific events and processes was suggested, to scale circularity through and across global value chains. Widely shared features worth preserving in the future were the partner concept, the balance between policy and business, and the principle of a rotating host country. The need for local and regional events to complement global annual events also came up strongly. Intensified involvement of the Global South was widely recognised to be necessary in order to broaden the discussion and to ensure a global and just transition.

SITRA remains committed in developing the World Circular Economy Forum together with its partners with the findings of the impact analysis as its compass.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Toronto at the WCEF2021 in September!