WCEF2019 summary

The World Circular Economy Forum 2019 built on the events of 2017 and 2018. Where the WCEF2017 identified key elements of a circular economy and showcased solutions and learnings from around the world, the WCEF2018 presented a vision of a circular future and encouraged the world’s leading economies to set out on a path towards it.

The WCEF2019 had a strong emphasis on scaling up the circular economy transition by increasing investments into circular economy businesses, spreading and adopting new technologies and making significant regulatory changes that enable the circular economy to flourish around the world. The event also emphasised that this monumental transition needs to be made in a way that is socially and economically fair and inclusive.

Over 2,200 participants attended the WCEF2019 in Helsinki. Consisting of 17 plenary and parallel sessions, 12 side sessions and 33 side events spread over three days, spiced with keynotes speeches, thematic discussions, and networking opportunities, the WCEF2019 was a landmark event of the year.

The key messages of the WCEF2019 – envisaging what scaling up the circular economy calls for – were:

1. Fair and just transition
2. Impactful investments
3. Progressive governance

The WCEF2019 was hosted by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra together with its key partners the European Investment Bank, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, Ministry of the Environment of Finland, Nordic Innovation, and partners Climate-KIC, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the European Commission, the European Environment Agency, Helsinki Metropolitan Smart & Clean Foundation, UN Environment, and the World Bank. Renewable Matter was this year’s media partner.

The World Circular Economy Forum brings together business leaders, policymakers and experts to present the world’s best circular economy solutions. The WCEF is a global initiative of the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.

Download the World Circular Economy Forum 2019 IISD report here.