Vienna, 30 July to 2 August -  UNIDO hosted the 3rd PAGE Green Industry Summer School, an event addressing the critical role of the circular economy in driving systemic transformation and the policies and practices needed to drive it. The hands-on course was opened by the Head of the European Union Delegation Ambassador Carl Hallergard and the Chief, Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry UNIDO, Smail Alhilali, and featured a diverse array of high-profile speakers, including renowned economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs. It aimed to equip policymakers and industry professionals with knowledge, tools, and skills related to the circular economy and green industry.

Hands-on policy exercises and in-depth knowledge sharing through workshops and presentations by PAGE partner agencies comprised of UNEP, ILO, UNDP and UNITAR, complemented the interdisciplinary approach and real-world applications of the summer school, and emphasized the role of circular economy and green industry in meeting the climate goal.

The event showcased an informative session on Austria’s Circular Economy Strategy delivered by the Director, Chemicals Department, Federal Ministry for Climate

Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK). It also featured a roundtable with industry and circular economy experts from leading organizations across Austria and the globe including the Circular Economy Forum Austria, Vienna University of Technology, Climate Lab, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, as well as unique startups applying circular economy principles in their operations and processes such as Hempstatic.  

A diverse cohort of participants from over 30 countries representing government ministries, academia, research and public policy institutions as well as the private sector, contributed their unique perspectives, enriching the discussions and gaining a deeper understanding of circular economy policymaking in practice.

As shared by Alesana Malo, Representative from Samoa:

“As a representative of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), I gained strategies from various specialists and participants worldwide on how to manage a green transition and create green jobs for our Pacific communities. In summary, I am now better equipped to contribute both locally and internationally by addressing environmental degradation issues, such as plastic waste management and carbon footprint reduction through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).”  

Attendees benefitted from learning about cutting-edge business practices and from a visit to a major manufacturing site at Schneider Electric Power Drives, where they were shown how the company is implementing circular economy practices of remanufacturing and repair in their operations. These experiences rounded out the event, offering practical insights and invaluable networking opportunities.

Seventeen participants presented their circular business models, national circular policies, and insights to benefit from each other and foster further south-south exchange. The PAGE Green Industry Summer School provided a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape of sustainable industrialization and global trends in policies aimed at greening the industry, and united diverse participants in their motivation to implement what they learned at the event within their own regional contexts and countries. 

Participant from Bappenas Indonesia, Anggi Pertiwi Putri concluded:

 “The summer school is comprehensively prepared and packaged with interactive activities making the learning process more fun. The speakers are very diverse which gives a better understanding of the dynamics of circular economy.”

Participants will benefit from the opportunity of ongoing alumni engagement and discussion through a dedicated online forum which will also gather the insights and accumulated learning of the first and second PAGE Green Industry Summer Schools delivered previously.

To stay updated on the latest advancements in green industry policies and circular economy policies, keep an eye on the events and initiatives of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) Programme  and UNIDO’s Green Industrial Policy Programme

 

For more information, please contact:

Ozunimi Lilian Iti,

Email