WCEF Side Events present circular economy solutions from around the globe and attract an international audience. They address specific topics related to the circular economy and the role circularity plays in the economies of the future, as well as in the fight against climate change and the nature crisis.

Side events can take place any time during 2021, excluding the days of the WCEF+Climate conference in the Netherlands on 15 April and the annual event WCEF2021 in Toronto, Canada on 13-15 September.

If you are interested in organising a WCEF Side Event, please submit your application to contactus.wcef@sitra.fi using the application form.

WCEF Side Events are part of the World Circular Economy Forum concept. The organisers are responsible for all practicalities, expenses and inquiries related to organising and participating in the side events. Side events may be organised either virtually or locally, depending on the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click on the headings below to read more.

Tuesday 2 February

Sustainable smart cities

Cities are cornerstones of the sustainable future. In this event, experts from different areas of the smart city ecosystem share their insights about digital and circular innovations of smart traffic, construction, recycling, and more.

Organiser: Taival
Time: 15:00-17:00 UTC+2

Wednesday 3 February

Solutions pathways workshop for circular plastics in Canada

This event is a solutions-oriented, interactive, virtual workshop focused on achieving a circular plastics economy in Canada. The workshop will feature expert insights into practical applications of upstream innovation for plastics packaging and six interactive breakout sessions.

Organisers: Circular Economy Leadership Coalition (CELC) and GLOBE Series
Time: 19:00-21:00 UTC+2

Thursday 4 February

Time to act: the circular economy action agenda

In the lead up to WCEF+Climate, leaders from business, government and civil society come together in a key moment to set out the bold action needed to create a circular economy.

Organiser: Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE)
Time: 16:00-17:30 UTC+2

Tuesday 23 February

Creating the circular and climate neutral city

We need circular cities to reach carbon neutrality and to create thriving communities. Digital solutions are strongly positioned to make this happen. Join a discussion with pioneering cities and participate in the launch of this new international innovation challenge.

Organisers: City of Copenhagen, City of Glasgow, City of Amsterdam, City of New York, City of Toronto, Danish Business Authority, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Danish Design Centre and Leaderlab
Time: 17:00-18:30 UTC+2

Thursday 25 February

The benefits of a circular economy for achieving climate objectives and recovering better

This pre-event of the WCEF+Climate focuses on the importance of the circular economy in achieving our Paris Agreement climate goals and a better recovery. The event will demonstrate how countries like the Gambia, Chile and Vanuatu have included the circular economy in their nationally determined contributions.

Organisers: EU Delegation to the United Nations, Permanent Missions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya and Finland to the United Nations
Time: 16:00-17:30 UTC+2

Tuesday 9 March

Circular economy and digital transition: opportunities for a global recovery*

This event covers how the European Green Deal and the new Biden climate crisis agenda will benefit from AI, blockchain, IoT, edge computing and other technologies as drivers to disrupt linear models and innovate towards a just transition to an inclusive circular economy.
*This event is part of the circularNEXT North America Series.

Organisers: Innovation Texas and International Circular Economy Initiative
Time: 17:00-19:30 UTC+2

Tuesday 20 to Wednesday 21 April

Foro internacional de economía circular

During the forum, we support business and government to generate a circularity road map, help position Chile as a regional circular economy leader and create knowledge sharing opportunities for the public and private sectors across generations. The event language is Spanish; some presentations will be held in English.

Organiser: Fundación Recyclapolis
Time: 16:00-01:00 UTC+3

Wednesday 21 April

An inclusive and just circular economy: entrepreneurship and sustainable business ecosystems*

New circular models can help us close many of the social gaps we now face and set a path for prosperity in our communities. Hear from leaders and entrepreneurs from all over the world how they are transforming linear business models into circular, sustainable and profitable new ventures.
*This event is part of the circularNEXT North America Series.

Organisers: Innovation Texas and International Circular Economy Initiative
Time: 17:00-19:30 UTC+3

Tuesday 11 May

Circular economy roadmaps: countries, regions and cities*

This event presents a series of inspiring stories to help your country, city or business start a circular economy transition. Hear about the challenges and opportunities they found to restart their economies and create value for their communities and citizens with a circular economy approach.
*This event is part of the circularNEXT North America Series.

Organisers: Innovation Texas and International Circular Economy Initiative
Time: 17:00-19:30 UTC+3

Tuesday 8 June

Circular smart destinations*

Travel and tourism companies can be powerful enablers of circularity and benefit from shared circular value creation and value capture in their value chains. Join us to hear how technology can help design more sustainable, resilient and inclusive places and help the tourism industry recover.
*This event is part of the circularNEXT North America Series.

Organisers: Innovation Texas and International Circular Economy Initiative
Time: 17:00-19:30 UTC+3

Wednesday 9 to Saturday 11 June

Industrial circular economy conference

ICE2021 is designed for any industrial manufacturer that wants to remain competitive domestically and globally, shrink their environmental footprint and create value throughout the product life cycle.

Organisers: Lower Columbia Initiatives Organization and Metal Tech Alley
Time: 04:00-0:00 UTC+3

About

WCEF Side Events are part of the World Circular Economy Forum concept. The organisers of these side events have an opportunity to present their circular economy solutions and engage an international and local audience. They also get to highlight their work in supporting the development of a circular economy.

Previously, side events have been organised in close proximity to the annual WCEF conference. The WCEF concept has been updated and selected additional events will be held between the annual WCEF conferences. In 2021, we will be organising a WCEF+Climate conference on 15 April, and the annual WCEF2021 conference will take place on 13-15 September.

At the moment, countries all over the world are struggling with an economic downturn caused by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep people inspired and the discussions around the circular economy ongoing, a number of WCEF Side Events will be organised during 2021.