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Call for 2022 WCEF Side Event applications

The call for organising 2022 WCEF Side Events is now open. New side events will be published monthly, starting in December 2021.

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Tuula Sjöstedt

Specialist, Communications and Public Affairs

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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 audience. They also get to highlight their work in supporting the development of a circular economy.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, online events have become the new normal, enabling participation from anywhere around the world. Therefore, the annual WCEF and WCEF+ events will also be available for online participation. In addition, a variety of selected events can be held online or face-to-face as WCEF Side Events.

WCEF Side Events have been organised since the very first World Circular Economy Forum was held in 2017 in Helsinki. At first, side events were organised in close proximity to the annual WCEF conference. Since 2020, the WCEF concept has been updated and selected additional events have been held between the annual WCEF conferences. In 2021, so far already more than 100 WCEF Side Events have been organised.

What, when and how?

WCEF Side Events can be organised anytime, excluding the days when the annual main event and WCEF+ events are taking place. The annual WCEF2022 conference will be hosted on 6-8 December in Kigali, Rwanda, and online, with Studios held in five cities across Africa.

Side events can be virtual or local events, depending on possible restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 situation.

The language for most side events will be English to enable a wide participation from all over the world. Some side events can also be arranged in other languages to help boost the local circular economy community.

The topics addressed in WCEF Side Events can include specific topics related to the circular economy and SDGs, such as inclusivity or natural resources. In the run-up to the WCEF2022, side events can also be topically linked to themes addressed in other WCEF events.

All WCEF Side Events are independent events and can be organised by one or more hosts. The organisers of each side event are responsible for all practicalities and expenses related to organising the event, including the virtual event platform and tools, possible venue, programme, invitations, registration, marketing and communications. Sitra will not be responsible for any practical arrangements or costs.

As the initiator of the WCEF concept, Sitra will promote the side events on the 2022 WCEF Side Event page, on the WCEF2022 website (for events during 28 November – 11 December), in WCEF newsletters and on social media, based on the information submitted by the side event organisers.

If you are interested in organising a WCEF Side Event, please submit your application by filling in the application form. First approvals for next year’s WCEF side events will be made on 15 December 2021, and new side events will be added monthly to the 2022 WCEF Side Event page.

For more information about WCEF Side Events, please contact Kirsi Pönni at kirsi.ponni@sitra.fi.

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