The first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE) took place on September 14, at the World Circular Economy Forum. The Alliance, a deliverable of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan of March 2020, has the objective of advocating for a transition to the circular economy as a way of contributing to solving the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises.

This meeting was co-organised by the EU, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said ‘A circular economy where resources are used more efficiently is our only future, it's the only way to keep our footprint inside a safe operating space when it comes to natural resources, as well as lowering greenhouse gas emissions. (…) Six months after its launch, the GACERE family continues to grow. Now we are 15 members, plus 2 active observers and 3 strategic partners who are helping to spread the results of our discussion. Today we can say GACERE has started to deliver. Negotiations at the G20 Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Naples last July saw the GACERE spirit in action. Members supported the Italian presidency’s endeavour to have forward-looking language on circular economy included in the communication. Focal points have also developed working papers which will help spread the message of the Alliance on Circular Economy in relation to biodiversity, to the green recovery and to climate change.’

 Watch the recording of this event.