Premiere presentation of the publication CIRCULAR INSIDER at the European Union House in Ljubljana
Circular Insider "A speed date with circular economy frontrunners" is the first publication that provides a broad insight into the stories of the actors of circular transition in Slovenia and Europe. Through the model of a circular triangle (an integral part of the Roadmap towards the circular economy in Slovenia) it presents the key roles of the government, economy and culture in the transition to a circular economy.
The premiere presentation of the publication as a guide for the Slovenian EU Council presidency conceptualized, curated and created by the Circular Change team in collaboration with 23 partners took place on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the EU House.
With the publication we want to approach the wider audiences and strengthen the recognition of Slovenia as an important European player in promoting the transition to a circular economy during the Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council (July to December 2021). Through practical cases, interviews, columns, statements and tips & tricks it connects expertise and practical circular experience. It is unique in its life-style design – popular, understandable, and visually rich. A special supplement, Circular Insider EU, prepared in cooperation with the Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia, is dedicated to latest EU topics and it features the contents both in English and Slovene language.
With its contents and design, Circular Insider promotes a "circular lifestyle" and highlights the opportunities for different stakeholders to become circular frontrunners themselves - as decision-makers, entrepreneurs, creatives, or active citizens. The premiere event was intended for the wider public and press to get acquainted with the issue of the publication and to expose some of the co-creators who outlined their role in the process of circular transformation and contributed inspiring thoughts on how to continue the process of stakeholder engagement in the circular transition and green recovery. The event took place in a hybrid form and was attended by more than 70 listeners via an online link.
You can find the press conference recording here.
Here are some thoughts our co-speakers shared with us.
Dr. Jerneja Jerše Jug, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia
“The European Green Deal is our roadmap for building a sustainable EU economy. We will only achieve this goal together with the Member States by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities in all policy areas and enabling a transition that will be fair and inclusive for all.”
H.E. Johan Verboom, the ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands
“Cooperation between Slovenia and the Netherlands in the field of circular economy has begun during the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2016. At that time, the Netherlands was put the circular economy at the forefront of its national policies, where it firmly remains today.
I am glad that the contacts established at that time developed into creative Dutch-Slovenian relations catalyzing the transition to a circular economy. An example of such great collaborations are Holland Circular Hotspot and Circular Change. This year co-chairs of the European Circular Economy Platform (ECESP) in Brussels, which addresses governments and organizations in the EU with initiatives for systemic change and the transition to a circular economy. "
Alenka Recelj Mercina, Sustainability coordinator at NLB bank
“Through sustainable banking, NLB supports the transition to a low-carbon society. With re-directing financial flows and financial risk management it can promote and accelerate green investments, sustainable growth and investment transparency. We recognize Circular Insider as an excellent “textbook” and a source of inspiring circular practices on this journey.”
Nataša Teraž Krois, Lumar IG
“Many solutions are already available. Customers have the power to support the circular transition with their purchasing decisions. Entrepreneurs also make an impact with sustainable business decisions both in the production process and the longevity and quality of their products. That's why the Lumar Zero Emission Living® solutions integrate the principles of sustainable construction: comfort, energy efficiency and environmental footprint, which we are also proud to present in Circular Insider.”
Marko Guček, CEO GoOpti
“Encouraging people to buy electric vehicles, use public transport and cycle does not yet ensures sufficient emission reductions. If we want to change people’s habits, we have to offer effective and convenient alternatives that are accessible, comfortable, and affordable. Our long-running collaboration with the Circular Change team to explore new potential solutions and international partnerships inspires us time and time again.”
Serenella Marzoli, director Italian Trade Agency in Slovenia
“The circular economy represents the potential for the regeneration of our environment. Because of its geographical position and its susceptibility to the effects of climate changes the latter is for Italy of utter importance. We want to strengthen already excellent cooperation between Slovenia and Italy in the field the circular economy - also through Circular Change activities – with new cross-border partnerships and EU projects. "
Violeta Bulc, ex-EU commissioner for transport, curator of Ecocivilization
“Visions bring inspiration to co-create a new value system of a new social economic paradigm. Without the participation of key actors and their active support, and social revival, these changes will be too slow. The Ecocivilization presented also in the publication Circular Insider, invites all to join and participate on national, European and global level.”
The curator of the publication, as well as moderator of the event was Ladeja Godina Košir, founder and director of Circular Change, Chair of the European circular economy stakeholder platform (ECESP) in Brussels. In collaboration with the co-authors of the Circular Insider she aims to demystify the notion of the circular economy with concrete examples that clearly show that circular business models already work in real life. With inspiring stories she wants to encourage different stakeholders to explore their entry points for the transition to a more sustainable business models and thus strengthen their competitiveness.
The fresh and attractive design, the work of Darja Brečko, emphasizes the message of its contents – it invites to explore and enjoy a circular lifestyle, which is not based on giving up on what we desire, but on co-creating solutions that are accessible, practical and aesthetically appealing.
Circular Insider will not only contribute to Slovenia's positioning as “Green. Creative. Smart.” with an emphasis on green, sustainable and circular frontrunners, but also encourage sparkling debates in a variety of settings and will become a familiar source of inspiration for the circular lifestyle and sustainable decision-making. It can also become a tool for economic diplomacy and an invitation to the international partners to connect with Slovenian actors in the circular transition.
