A webinar organised as part of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development discusses how industrialisation in Africa can be re-defined using a circular economy and life cycle approach. Continue Reading
Bringing together governments and relevant networks and organisations, the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE) aims to provide a global impetus for initiatives related to the circular economy transition, resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production. GACERE is launched on Feb. 22nd. 2021. Get more information. Continue Reading
Tourism is one of the key sectors driving social-economic development in Africa accounting for 8.5 per cent of GDP and 6.7 per cent of total employment in 2018. The new report presents an analysis and review of the implementation and results of the SWITCH Africa Green programme in the sustainable tourism sector. Continue Reading
A released sector report lists impact of Switch Africa Green programme such as sixty-one per cent of the surveyed MSMEs recorded increased sales turnover as a direct result of the programme. Additionally, the implementation of SCP principles in the agriculture sector generated new business opportunities. Get more details. Continue Reading
The building and construction sector accounts for 38% of all energy-related CO2. The EU funded SWITCH-Asia programme addresses the challenge. 15 grant projects across Asia apply different strategies to green the sector. A released video highlights how sustainable housing can improve the quality of your life. Continue Reading
The sector report shows that the implementation of the SWITCH Africa Green programme activities in the IWM sector has facilitated the uptake of SCP practices and patterns by MSMEs. 83 per cent of the surveyed enterprises reported improved business skills and 74 per cent recorded increased sales turnover. Get more details. Continue Reading
The new sector report Green Manaufacturing in Africa presents an analysis of the implementation and results of the SWITCH Africa Green programme in the manufacturing sector. It covers the strategic interventions, results realised, challenges, lessons learnt and presents a set of recommendations. Continue Reading
Challenges and Opportunities for circular economy in the COVID-19 Era range from policies and regulation to technologies and infrastructures as well as cultural acceptance. A report now documents insight from the webinar with a diverse range of leading experts from Latin America and the EU. Continue Reading
The SWITCH-Asia project PROMISE – Prevention of Marine Litter in the Lakshadweep Sea will be launched on 26 January. The project aims at promoting source-to-sea solutions to reduce marine littering in tourism. Continue Reading
As consumers increasingly demand environmentally-friendly initiatives, many European companies start to implement climate change and renewable energy targets. The SWITCH Garment Project highlights experience from Cambodia. Continue Reading
Morocco's path towards a more competitive economy, resilient, green and inclusive development model is supported by the EU funded PACC programme, a major support component for sectoral reforms with funding from the Moroccan Treasury and a technical assistance component. See their latest progress. Continue Reading
If you want to support the creation of an enabling environment for green and circular economy businesses in the #Mediterranean, then share your inputs on the recommendations for policymakers by taking part in an online survey at https://bit.ly/36vOJ3Y. Continue Reading
The Call for Proposal for the InTex project is now open. Three project components will focus on national implementation in three countries in Africa.The three countries and three technical intermediaries are to be selected through a call for proposals. Continue Reading
While the EU Renovation Wave Strategy has been designed as a strategy for Europe, one cannot disregard its external dimension and validity also beyond Europe. Mongolia has recognized the need for re-use and recovery of secondary materials and adapted its policy framework with support form the EU-funded SWITCH Asia Programme. Continue Reading
The new ‘Quick tips’ provide practical ideas and suggestions to colleagues from the European Commission headquarters, the EU Delegations and partner country institutions to promote green development and address environmental and climate-related issues in key sectors. Continue Reading
On 20 November 2020, the Vietnam National Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) for the period 2021-2030 was presented and officially launched in Danang City, during a national Workshop on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) for Sustainable Development. Continue Reading
A new call for proposals has just been launched to seek for new innovative projects. Projects are expected to be implemented by consortia bringing together expertise from both Europe and Asia ... Continue Reading
A value chain is the full range of activities it takes to make, market, use, repair, reuse, remanufacture and recycle a product – value is added at every link in the chain. In global value chains, goods are consumed far from the locations where they were produced and mostly in a linear pattern of “take-make-use-dispose”. Continue Reading
A series of factsheets illustrates progress made to develop and implement National Action Plans on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). Continue Reading
The Green Economy Coalition documented the stories of seven civil society-led national and regional dialogue processes in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Each story describes how pe Continue Reading
To attain objectives of the Indonesian National Medium-term Plan a new project “Enhancing SCP through the implementation of G/SPP and the preparation of a long-term action plan for G/SPP in Indonesia” kicked off on 24 July 2020. 25 participants from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the National Procurement Agency (LKPP), the Paper Industry Association, the Furniture Industry Association, SWITCH-Asia Experts, GIZ Advance SCP, and the EU Delegation to Indonesia attended the meeting. To implement the project, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is receiving support from the EU funded SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility and GIZ Advance SCP. A market readiness analysis will be prepared and G/SPP Plans for two pilot sectors, namely, wooden furniture and paper industries, are expected to be developed. SWITCH-Asia Expert, Ms. Karin Merle, introduced in more detail the market analysis study for paper and furniture industries and explained that this will be of critical importance to drive recommendations for additional sub-products to be included in the G/SPP under the project’s scope. The study will contribute to the long-term action plan that will ensure a comprehensive approach to institutionalising and reforming G/SPP in Indonesia to be led by GIZ Advance SCP in partnership with KLHK, LKPP, Bappenas, Continue Reading
A new brochure now shows examples of how the SWITCH to Green Facility works with European Commission services and development partners across the globe. It outlines the services provided by the Facility and of the process to access them. The publications describes the benefits to those who have received the Facility’s technical assistance. The Facility encourages and supports actors in the transition to a circular economy, by providing technical assistance where good will or enthusiasm for innovation may be complemented by additional operational, knowledge or other capacities. In doing so, it collaborates with complementary DEVCO Facilities, notably the Environment and Climate Change Mainstreaming, Water, Biodiversity, and Forestry Facilities. Managed by DG DEVCO Unit C2, the Facility delivers a set of tools and services supporting the overall coherence, coordination, effectiveness, impact and visibility of EU international partnerships in the green, notably circular, economy. Support can be channelled through commission services, EU Delegations, and development partners. Many reasons to read the brochure (click to download). Continue Reading
Dozens of eco-conscious young entrepreneurs from across Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico have entered contest designed to help them supercharge their ideas. The budding founders, all university students, are part of the Innovation for Sustainable Lifestyles competition. The initiative will help 25 short-listed candidates develop their planet-friendly business ideas over the next two months, before judges select three winners—one from each country—to enter a startup bootcamp and meet potential investors. The competition is designed to spur the development of startups that specialize in areas like clean transportation, green buildings and food. It also seeks to support economic recovery from COVID-19, encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop business models that will help their communities build back better. "Our lifestyles have to do with what we eat, what we buy, how we transport ourselves, where we live and even what we do in our free time," says Adriana Zacarías, UNEP regional coordinator of Resource Efficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). COVID-19 has exposed the weaknesses of the region's economies, deepening existing inequalities, according to a UN policy brief on the pandemic’s impact on Latin America and the Caribbean. In a region with already gaping inequalities and fragmented health services, vulnerable individuals Continue Reading
Public agencies around the world have realized that public procurement is not a mere administrative procedure but a powerful instrument that can be leveraged to achieve the sustainability goals of the organization. This strategic use of public procurement has been recognised as key to the global effort for sustainability, important enough to have a specific target within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG target 12.7: “Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities”. To address that demand, the EU funded SWITCH-Asia RPAC has developed the report “Monitoring Implementation and Estimating the Benefits of Sustainable/Green Public Procurement in Northeast and Southeast Asia”. The document has been jointly developed with Ecoinstitut SCCL and presents the approaches of several central governments in the region (i.e. China, Japan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea and Thailand) in order to show that setting up monitoring and evaluating systems for GPP and/or SPP is possible and beneficial. In the face of deep economic and social crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time when governments need to conduct expansionary fiscal policies to limit or avoid economic recessions, GPP and SPP must take its place in the Continue Reading
The SWITCH-Asia Programme joins the Doh Gabar campaign to raise awareness in Myanmar about the urgent need to take action against climate change and protect the world’s environment. The six-week multimedia digital exhibition features the creative works of Myanmar visual artists, celebrities, and eco-champions. On biodiversity, climate change, forestry, air pollution, as well as single use plastic and waste, the online exhibition offers information formatted in animations and infographics. Even though, Doh Gabar is primarily targeted at an Myanmar audience, it is worth seeing for a larger audience because of the creative animations and condensed data packaged in infographics. The exhibition contains a map displaying environmental initiatives in Myanmar including three EU funded SWITCH-Asia projects promoting sustainable consumption and production by addressing plastic pollution, water conservation and green practises in the garment sector. The campaign is financed by the European Union. Continue Reading
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) presents a COVID 19 hub consisting of a data observatory, analytic tools and covid updates from partner organisations. As attention turns to managing the economic fallout from COVID-19, national and global recovery plans will determine if future threats to human wellbeing, to our economies and to the planet are mitigated or amplified. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy is committed to assisting its partners as they navigate the recovery, promoting inclusive green economy plans that will create growth, jobs, and prosperity for all while reducing pressures on the planet. Additionally, the One Planet Network considers the emergence of zoonotic diseases such as Covid-19 that are closely related to the health of ecosystems, which underpin human health and well-being. The One Planet Network calls for investments in resource-efficient, inclusive, safe, and resilient value chains. Shifting to sustainable consumption and production (Sustainable Development Goal 12) addresses the key drivers of ecosystem disruption, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and climate change. The need for this shift is also reflected in other targets in the 2030 Agenda. Read more. Already on World Environment Day, the Green Economy Coalition had called for recovery efforts that recognise the Continue Reading
On World Environment Day, 5th June 2020, global institutions working on development, labour and environment have united around key actions for spurring a green, just and transformative recovery. The COVID-19 crisis is exacerbating existing global inequalities within and between countries and communities, while exposing how vulnerable our socio-economic systems are to external shocks. The Partners for Inclusive Green Economy are calling for recovery efforts that recognise the interdependencies between human and environmental health, and aim to build resilience to even more profound risks on the horizon – biodiversity loss, widening inequality and climate change. There are already some inspiring examples of countries and decision makers taking leadership to prioritise green and pro-poor stimulus packages. If these efforts can build towards deeper and more integrated policy approaches, developed in consultation with stakeholders and civil society, the response to COVID-19 could provide a powerful accelerator for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. Together, the partner organisations have identified the following ten policy options that will guide a fast, fair and green recovery: The Green Economy Principles of Wellbeing, Justice, Sufficiency & Efficiency, Planetary Boundaries, and Good Governance should guide recovery plans and actions. Advance national green economy plans, Continue Reading
Adopted on 20th May, the Farm to Fork Strategy[1] is at the heart of the Green Deal. It addresses comprehensively the challenges of sustainable food systems and recognizes the inextricable links between healthy people, healthy societies and a healthy planet. The increasing recurrence of droughts, floods, forest fires and new pests are a constant reminder that our food system is under threat and must become more sustainable and resilient. The Farm to Fork Strategy lays down a new approach to ensure that agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, and the food value chain contribute appropriately to the objective for a climate neutral Union in 2050. Food systems remain one of the key drivers of climate change and environmental degradation. The manufacturing, processing, retailing, packaging and transportation of food make a major contribution to GHG emissions, air, soil and water pollution, and have a profound impact on biodiversity. On the other side, consumers also need to be empowered to choose sustainable food. The creation of a favourable environment that makes it easier to choose healthy and sustainable diets will benefit consumers’ health and quality of life, and reduce health-related costs for society. Food chains that work for consumers, producers and planet In addition, Continue Reading
On 20th May, 2020, the European Commission adopted a new Biodiversity Strategy aiming at tackling the five main drivers of biodiversity loss, such as unsustainable use of land and sea, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, climate change and invasive alien species. In the last four decades, global wildlife populations fell by 60% as a result of human activities and almost three quarters of the Earth’s surface have been altered. Interlinks between biodiversity and climate change cannot also be neglected. Protecting and restoring wetlands, peatlands and coastal ecosystems, or sustainably managing marine areas, forests, grasslands and agricultural soils, will be essential for emission reduction and climate adaptation. Adopted in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, the strategy is a central element of the EU's recovery plan, crucial to preventing and building resilience to future outbreaks and providing immediate business and investment opportunities for restoring the EU's economy. This new strategy proposes to establish binding targets for EU countries to restore damaged ecosystems and rivers, improve the health of protected habitats and species, bring back pollinators to agricultural land, reduce pollution, green our cities, enhance organic farming and other biodiversity-friendly farming practices, and improve the health of European forests. In this regard, the Continue Reading
Mongolia has a new regulation consisting of the Waste Law, the Construction Law and applicable laws. The regulation, enacted on 27 February 2020, improves the management and structure of construction and demolition waste, minimise its negative impacts on the environment and human health, prevent potential hazards and risks. It strengthens Mongolia’s circular economy through the promotion of sustainable production and consumption practices to improve waste management. The construction industry in Mongolia is booming due to the country’s increasing urbanization and economic growth. This has resulted in the production of massive amounts of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW). Over 90 percent of construction waste can be recycled and reused.The existence of large amounts of CDW and its high potential for reuse and recycling have attracted the attention of many countries around the world. CDW accounts for 20-25 percent of the overall solid waste produced in Mongolia. In Ulaanbaatar (UB) and other cities, construction waste is often dumped illegally and a huge part of the construction and demolition work is done by small and medium-sized contractors and subcontractors whose current unsustainable approaches have negative impacts on both human health and the environment. Significant challenges persist when promoting resource-efficiency and cleaner production in Continue Reading
To successfully deliver on its European Green Deal ambition, the EU needs to drive a global transition to a carbon-neutral, resource-efficient and circular economy, where resource use is decoupled from economic growth. Building on the work done on circular economy since 2015, the adopted plan focuses on resource intensive sectors where the potential for circularity is high. Aiming to keep resources in economic cycles as long as possible, the plan addresses key product value chains: electronics and ICT, batteries and vehicles, packaging, plastics, textiles and food. Acknowledging the worldwide nature of value chains and resource flows, the new EU Circular Economy Action Plan has an important global dimension. It spells out EU ambition to lead efforts internationally through measures such as building a stronger partnership with Africa to maximise the benefits of the green transition and the circular economy, promoting the circular economy in the context of development and international cooperation programmes, and stepping up outreach activities, including through the European Green Deal diplomacy and the Circular Economy missions. The Action Plan will also reinforce policy coherence for development, notably by restricting exports of waste that have harmful environmental and health impacts in third countries. Annexed to the CEAP communication, Continue Reading
The new DEVCO publication “Supporting the Circular Economy” gathers practices from the EU SWITCH programmes. It takes us to a journey across selected economic sectors, with a view to inspiring and encouraging a switch to green, notably circular, practices. Facts and figures on the environmental impact of economic activities are used to explain the challenges faced in each sector. Infographics and animated illustrations complement stories, each showcasing successful SWITCH projects with strong replication potential. Download the brochure Supporting the Circular Economy or view online here. Continue Reading
This guidance for action design has been developed by INPTA Unit “Evaluation and Results” jointly with INTPA Thematic Units. It is addressed to all colleagues involved in the preparation of action documents and project documents and offers a handy tool to develop solid logical framework matrices. It identifies clear and measurable results statements that are in line with INTPA policy priorities, as well as with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), along with a range of good indicators to monitor progress. It will be updated regularly to reflect evolving priorities. Its main objective is to enhance the quality of INTPA interventions – both in terms of design as well as of monitoring and reporting in the course of implementation. The need for this type of guidance was identified in the framework of the results-reporting process led by INTPA 0 “Evaluation and Results” , as well as through its systematic review of all action documents presented to Quality Review Group meetings.The present guidance covers INTPA strategies in various sectors, and presents for each sector: 1. EU policy priorities: a short narrative explaining EU policy priorities and commitments as articulated in key policy and strategic documents. 2. Results Chain: a diagram showing Continue Reading
More than 250 participants attended, including Ministers, finance institutions, the private sector and civil society. EUDs in Gambia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Niger also attended. Press gave high visibility. The conference highlighted West African governments’ commitment to circular economy as a feasible economic model contributing to the Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement. Governments are increasingly taking up dedicated policies while private sector action is also visible, from youth-led start-ups to multinationals which introduce circularity in the pursuit of water and energy efficiency as well as materials and energy recovery. The benefits of circular economy on the path to industrialisation and competitiveness are clear, but the scale of existing initiatives and knowledge is limited. Recommendations formulated include incentives-based regulatory frameworks, awareness-raising on opportunities and best practices, skills development and finance. DG Manservisi highlighted the potential of the circular economy for employment. He outlined EU’s contribution to the transition in Africa, based on policy dialogue, experience sharing, the promotion of standards, and support to investments, presenting EU’s approach through the EIP and plans for scaling-up. During the conclusions of the conference, a joint statement was adopted outlining possible areas for cooperation (“Dakar Pathways to Advance Circular Economy, Green Industries and Continue Reading
The Switchers Travel Guides highlight sustainable businesses in 6 countries from the Mediterranean: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia. The aim is to provide an alternative to conventional tourism hotspots, and encourage authentic interactions with local communities and businesses that have positive social and environmental impacts. Together, let’s promote a more sustainable tourism through these green entrepreneurs who are creating circular, sustainable economies around the Mediterranean. All guides are available here. Continue Reading
The launch of EU SWITCH-Asia will take place in Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek at the Orion Hotel on Friday, 5 July 2019. Continue Reading
A joint initiative by the European Commission and UNIDO. Continue Reading
Among other SDGs, SDG13 on climate change will be reviewed at this year’s HLPF. Continue Reading
Focus on "Transforming Production and Consumption: Bridging Sustainability Research with Policy and Practice”. Continue Reading
European Development Days 2019 will focus on "Addressing inequalities: building a world which leaves no one behind". Continue Reading
Hosted by Finnish innovation fund SITRA. Circular economy solutions, strong private sector participation, latest developments on circular economy. Continue Reading
Results of the 2019 Green Economy Coalition Global Meeting. Continue Reading
SWITCH-Asia II launches its third call for proposals with a total budget of EUR 45.700.000 of which EUR 32.700.000 for Asia (South and South-East Asia) and EUR 13.000.000 for Central Asia. Each funding grant ranging from EUR 1-3 million. Proposals for SWITCH-Asia II are welcome from business intermediaries (business associations, industry organisations, service providers), as well as SMEs' business partners (such as retailers or financial institutions) and policy makers at regional and local level. Continue Reading
How can we lift millions out of poverty, create 600+ million jobs, reduce inequalities, protect the environment and grow the economy? Continue Reading
On 9 January (6:00 PM SAST / 5:00 PM CET), join the Green Economy Coalition, the Green Growth Knowledge Platform, and the Partnership for Action on Green Economy for a televised debate hosted by CNBC Africa where leaders from business, politics, and NGO's will ask - have we been getting "wealth" wrong all these years? Continue Reading
The conference is organized to identify insights and linkages across the SPAC research themes and actively bridge research with policy and practice. The scope covers local and global issues and interconnections across scales, connecting regions, networks of practitioners and researchers. Continue Reading
To facilitate dialogue, share lessons and discuss emerging priorities, DG DEVCO organises an annual coordination meeting involving Commission services and development partners involved in some of the main green economy initiatives supported by the EU. Continue Reading
The 3rd edition of SwitchMed Connect will bring together more than 300 stakeholders from Mediterranean countries to build synergies, exchange knowledge, and scale up social and eco-innovations. Join the discussion with leading start-ups, entrepreneurs, change agents, policy makers and financial institutions to accelerate the transition to a Circular Economy in the Mediterranean region. Continue Reading
4 language versions available: EN, FR, SP and PT Continue Reading
The European Commission Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development just released a new Reference Document in the Tools and Methods series, entitled The inclusive green economy in EU development cooperation – An innovative approach at the intersection of the EU’s Planet, People and Prosperity objectives. The document responds to calls for more guidance on the green economy and on lessons learnt, received during the recent evaluation of EU international cooperation on sustainable consumption and production. It aims to promote a better understanding of the green economy, give policy and operational guidance and present best practices. Continue Reading
The EU SWITCH programme: A contribution to SDG12 and the Implementation of the 10YFPOrganised by the SWITCH to Green Facility, in collaboration with three SWITCH partner countries (Uganda, Thailand and Jordan), the SWITCH Regional Programmes (Asia, Mediterranean and Africa), and the One Planet Network, the event discussed the importance of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) to the 2030 Agenda, highlighting the contribution of the SWITCH Programmes to sustainable growth, job creation and environmental objectives.The EU indicated that the new European Consensus on Development, which provides the framework for EU development policy, gives high attention to SCP, as a means to achieve both its Prosperity and Planet objectives. “.. . Adopting SCP practices is one of the most cost-effective (and) efficient ways to achieve economic development, reduce impacts on environment and advance human well-being within planetary boundaries…”“SWITCH programmes that we (the EU) have been implementing with partners are great illustration of how we can cooperate to progress on SDG 12 but also on the broader 2030 Agenda…”Ms Chantal Marijnissen, DG DEVCO, Head of Unit C2 Environment, Natural Resources and Water, introducing the session Uganda, Thailand and Jordan shared their experiences and success stories from the SWITCH programmes in promoting an inclusive green economy Continue Reading
The publication has been developed by INTPA “Results and Business Processes” jointly with INTPA thematic Units. Aimed at all colleagues involved in the preparation of action documents and project documents it offers a handy tool to develop solid logical framework matrices. It identifies clear and measurable results statements that are in line with INTPA policy priorities, as well as with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), along with a range of good indicators to monitor progress. It will be updated regularly to reflect evolving priorities. The present guidance covers INTPA strategies in various sectors, and presents for each sector: EU policy priorities: a short narrative explaining EU policy priorities and commitments as articulated in key policy and strategic documents. Results Chain: a diagram showing the main results (impact, outcomes, outputs) that EU development interventions are expected to achieve in the sector, reflecting EU policy priorities and commitments. List of Sector Indicators: examples of measurable indicators associated to each result statement are provided, that may be used in Logframe Matrices at project/ programme level. Please read the full publication enclosed: Green Economy - Sector Indicator Guidance Continue Reading
16 July 2018, 1:15 – 2:30 pmUNHQ Conference Room 5 SAVE THE DATE The EU is actively implementing its Circular Economy Action Plan, with a new set of measures adopted in 2018, including a Europe-wide Strategy for Plastics, while also highlighting the international dimension of the circular economy. The 2017 European Consensus on Development, which aligns EU development policy with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, identifies the circular economy as a priority area for which stronger global partnerships are required.The circular economy is gaining momentum in Europe and at the international level: to take stock of progress and discuss the way forward, the European Union, in cooperation with the Netherlands, is organising a side-event on the global circular economy at the 2018 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Join the discussion on how the circular economy can actively contribute to the transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies, both in developing and developed economies.The event will be hosted by Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, and Stientje Van Veldhoven, State Secretary of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands.It will bring together a panel of experts from national governments, Continue Reading
In collaboration with three SWITCH partner countries (Uganda, Kingdom of Thailand and Jordan), the SWITCH Africa Green, SWITCH-Asia, and SwitchMed programmes, and the One Planet Network/10YFP Secretariat, the EU SWITCH to Green Facility is organising the event "The SWITCH programmes: A global contribution to SDG12 on Sustainable Consumption & Production and the implementation of the 10YFP/One Planet Network " at the High-Level Political Forum this July. Full information is available here.The session is open to the public, but due to room capacity limitation and for optimal organisation we kindly encourage you to register @ www.switchtogreen.eu/registration. Continue Reading
Invitation to the Lab Debate on Women Empowerment in Green Business DevelopmentBy exploring ways of empowering women as drivers of sustainable growth and job creation, and getting engaged in greening economies, the session focusses on women and environment, and women in the urban space and in rural development.The EU SWITCH programme funds projects focusing on green entrepreneurship in both peri-urban and rural Continue Reading
SAVE THE DATE – Project Lab at EDD 2018 on Wednesday June 6 at 13:00 - Room S4 on Women Empowerment in Green Business Development The session presents stories of women entrepreneurs from around the world who have been agents of change driving the green economy transition and creating jobs.It builds on the experience of the SWITCH programmes in Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean and the One Planet Network programme for Sustainable Lifestyles and Education, in developing partnerships with the private sector to shift behaviour and practice, towards SCP patterns.The lab is expected to generate a debate on capacitating women as local business leaders, with a variety of roles, ranging from being enablers of new eco-entrepreneurship to providing new trends in sustainable consumption. The session will also focus on need for policy support to scale-up best practices and further support to women as promoters of green entrepreneurship. More information at:https://eudevdays.eu/community/sessions/214/women-empowerment-through-green-business-development Contact:Jens Kristian Nørgaard (Key Expert SWITCH to Green)Isabelle Demolin (Communication Expert SWITCH to Green) Continue Reading
The Forum will examine eco-innovative solutions for improving air quality. It will bring together companies and public authorities that have already succeeded in developing and deploying effective new technologies, or innovative business and governance models, with those who are looking for such solutions and practices.In particular, air pollution originating from energy use, transport and agriculture will be addressed. The issue of how to secure financing for eco-innovative solutions will also be prominently discussed.This event is jointly organized by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Environment and the Ministry of Environment and Water of the Republic of Bulgaria.For further information, please click here. Continue Reading
A Wider Circle? The Circular Economy in Developing Countries.Lower-income countries are in many ways more ‘circular’ than their developed-economy counterparts – the question is how to turn this into a development opportunity.Full publication here. Continue Reading
BETTER DECISIONS FOR A BETTER WORLDBusiness leaders, government representatives and environmental experts from around the world will gather in Edinburgh this November for the third World Forum on Natural Capital.Visit https://naturalcapitalforum.com/ Continue Reading
01.11.2017 - 03.11.2017 | All dayFor the transition to green economies to to to scale it needs to be owned and driven by small entrepreneurs and local businesses. Yet governments and institutions find it notoriously difficult to reach smaller enterprises. For its 2017 Global Meeting, the Green Economy Coalition (GEC) is pleased to be partnering with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), 1 - 3rd November, in the Port of Spain, Trinidad. The meeting will focus on how to support green enterprises so they can drive the transition to inclusive green economies. More information here. Continue Reading
21.11.2017 - 22.11.2017 | All dayThis year’s Green Growth and Sustainable Development Forum (GGSD Forum) will focus on investment, innovation and employment aspects of the fast-growing ocean-based industries, together with policies to protect and sustainably use marine and ocean resources and ecosystems. It will explore how the economic development and conservation needs can be balanced successfully through innovations in established and emerging ocean industries, as well as marine spatial planning instruments. Issues such as national and international capacity for ocean industry oversight, the role of science and technology (including digitalisation), responsible business conduct and waste management will be addressed. The Forum will draw on work by the Scientific and Technological Policy Committee (CSTP), the Fisheries Committee (COFI), the Environment Policy Committee (EPOC), the Investment Committee (IC), Shipbuilding Committee (WP6), the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) as well as the International Transport Forum (ITF) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).Read more: Continue Reading
17.10.2017 - 20.10.2017 | All dayThe Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) will hold Global Green Growth Week 2017: Unlocking Africa’s Green Growth Potential (GGGWeek2017) at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Read more: Continue Reading
06.09.2017 - 08.09.2017 | All dayThe Zambia Green Jobs Programme (ZGJP), the Government of Zambia and the Government of Finland, in collaboration with the International Training Centre of the ILO and the ILO’s Green Centenary Initiative are pleased to announce the upcoming Africa Forum on Private Sector Inclusive Green Growth and Job Creation that will take place in Livingstone, Zambia.Read more here. Continue Reading
06.11.2017 - 17.11.2017 | All dayAt the UN Climate Change Conference this year (COP23, from 6 to 17 November) nations of the world will meet to advance the aims and ambitions of the Paris Agreement and achieve progress on its implementation guidelines.Read more here. Continue Reading
03.10.2016 - 10.10.2016 | All dayThe Academy is a two-week capacity building event, which seeks to address the fundamental question: how to achieve inclusive green economies? It thus provides a full in-depth overview and understanding of latest global agendas, as well as practical tools and good practices - from assessments, to stakeholder engagement, policy formulation and strategy implementation – that several countries are adopting in their efforts to transition to environmentally viable and socially inclusive economies.Beyond its specific learning objectives, the overall purpose of this event is to contribute to enhance institutional capacities for transformative change towards greener economies.Read more here. Continue Reading
29.06.2017 - 30.06.2017 | 0:00The Conference will identify key challenges and ways forward to better align financial mechanisms with policy reforms to speed and scale up green investments in support of energy efficient and low-carbon growth, new business opportunities and green jobs in the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan).The Conference will discuss:lessons learned from mobilising capital markets to finance the transition to a green economy;the role of public authorities in unlocking private finance for green investment;making better use of international climate-related development finance;new avenues, including the role of banking and monetary policy, the use of green bonds and mobilising institutional investors, such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. The Conference will bring together government officials from Ministries of Environment, Economy and Energy, representatives of IFIs and multilateral financing facilities active in the region, international organisations, donor countries and experts from commercial banks and other domestic financing institutions.Read more here. Continue Reading
07.06.2017 - 08.06.2017 | All dayOrganised by the European Commission, the European Development Days (EDD) bring the development community together each year to share ideas and experiences in ways that inspire new partnerships and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.Read more here. Continue Reading
30.05.2017 - 02.06.2017 | 0:00EU Green Week is an annual opportunity to debate and discuss European environmental policy. Organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment, this key event in the environment policy calendar attracts policymakers, leading environmentalists, stakeholders and other interested parties from across Europe and the globe.EU Green Week 2017 takes place from 29 May to 2 June with the theme of 'Green jobs for a greener future'. It will focus on how EU environmental policies are creating green jobs and contributing to economic, sustainable and socially responsible growth in the EU. In addition to a high level conference in Brussels, the programme will also feature a series of partner events and actions taking place across Europe.Read more here. Continue Reading
06.02.2017 - 08.02.2017 | All dayThe week will comprise two seminars:Thematic Seminar on Environment – “Implementing the Environmental Dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”(6-8 FebruarThematic Seminar – "Conservation,Development and Security: Implementing the external dimension of EU biodiversity policies"(9-10 February)Read more here. Continue Reading
27.03.2017 - 28.03.2017 | 0:00This Second Partnership for Action on Green Economy Ministerial Conference brought together over 300 leaders from governments, civil society, private sector, development partners, media and the public to explore how our economies and financial markets can be “enablers” for the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.It gathered first movers to share experience on transformational processes, on challenges and progress, to compare notes and engage in an open debate about what it takes to further a “just transition” to economies which are more inclusive, stable and sustainable.Co-hosted with the Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) of Germany, the Partnership for Action on Green Economy Ministerial Conference worked to accelerate the shift to green investments, sustainable lifestyles and inclusive growth by widening existing partnerships and initiatives that are uncovering pathways to greener and more inclusive economies – economies capable of powering the Sustainable Development Goals. Read more here. Continue Reading
12.07.2016 - 13.07.2016 | All dayThe 12th Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (12th APRSCP) will be held at the Apsara Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 12 and 13 July 2016 with back-to-back events on 14 July 2016. The meeting is organized by the Asia Pacific Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP) and is hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Kingdom of Cambodia, in partnership with the International Institute for Scientific Research (IISR). The 12th APRSCP is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the SWITCH-Asia Regional Policy Support Component (RPSC) of the European Union (EU) and by other partners including EU SWITCHAsia Network Facility, the Network on Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECPnet) with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the China National Cleaner Production Center (CNCPC). Read more here. Continue Reading
06.09.2016 - 07.09.2016 | All dayThe Fourth Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP) Annual Conference is taking place on the theme of “Transforming Development through Inclusive Green Growth” during 6-7 September 2016 at the International Convention Center on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Read more here. Continue Reading
27.11.2017 - 28.11.2017 | All dayThe Fifth Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP) Annual Conference will be hosted by the World Bank on the topic of sustainable infrastructure. The Conference will take place at the World Bank in Washington DC, USA, November 27 – 28, 2017.Infrastructure includes water supply and sanitation, flood protection, roads and transport, and energy and telecommunications. Infrastructure has major implications at the household level (health, education, and social mobility), at the firm level (productivity, industrial development), and at the global level (climate change, energy, forests, biodiversity, and pollution). Ensuring affordable and reliable access to infrastructure remains a major challenge in developing countries, but one that is further complicated by both a changing climate and changing climate policies.The balancing act across the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability is increasingly central to the infrastructure challenge. These issues can and have been addressed from different scientific perspectives. However, researchers working on specific aspects of the infrastructure agenda are not systematically interacting with each other.This two-day conference aims to take stock of recent advances and research challenges in green growth infrastructure and will feature some of the best researchers in the field, both from the academic world and from Continue Reading
10.07.2017 - 19.07.2017 | All dayThe meeting of the high-level political forum on sustainable development in 2017 convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, will be held from Monday, 10 July, to Wednesday, 19 July 2017; including the three-day ministerial meeting of the forum from Monday, 17 July, to Wednesday, 19 July 2017.The theme will be "Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world". The set of goals to be reviewed in depth will be the following, including Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, that will be considered each year:Goal 1.End poverty in all its forms everywhereGoal 2.End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agricultureGoal 3.Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all agesGoal 5.Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girlsGoal 9.Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovationGoal 14.Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentIn accordance with paragraph 84. of the 2030 Agenda, Member States have decided that the HLPF shall carry out regular voluntary reviews of the 2030 Agenda which will include developed and developing countries as well as Continue Reading
24.10.2017 - 26.10.2017 | All dayThe 13th Asia Pacific Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production (13th APRSCP) is themed 'Enabling Sustainable Consumption and Production Towards Achieving Green Growth'. It is co-hosted by the Asia Paci.ic Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production and ENSEARCH and will be held on 24-26 October 2017 in Melaka. The 13th APRSCP is endorsed and supported by the Melaka State Government. For registration and more information, please visit the Ensearch website (http://www.ensearch.org/aprscp/) or contact Jenny/Nabiha at po@ensearch.org.Read more here. Continue Reading
05.06.2017 - 06.06.2017 | All dayThis ground-breaking event presents the world’s best circular economy solutions and gathers together the most recognised experts and decision makers in the field. 1,500 key people from more than 100 countries shared ideas in Helsinki, Finland, on 5-7 June 2017, at the first ever World Circular Economy Forum.Read more here.In conjunction with the conference, the SWITCH-Asia Network Facility will organise a one-day event on third day to facilitate linkages between SWITCH-Asia associated SMEs with green financiers. This side event, titled "Promoting green investments: Matchmaking opportunities for innovative SMEs from EU-funded projects in the Circular Economy" is co-organised with the Executive Agency for SMEs (EASME) of the European Commission.Read more here. Continue Reading
Visit the SWITCH exhibition stand (# 12) – Building a global community of sustainable enterprises improving livelihoods.Discover what we want to tell you during our pitch session, a new formula where exhibitors are invited to highlight in 2 minutes and 4 narrative visuals their best practices. Continue Reading
Building on the experience of the SWITCH programmes in Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean region, the session invites actors from the field to come and share their experience on how their partnership with the private sector has helped to shift their company’s behavior and practice towards Sustainable Production & Consumption patterns.With their on-going involvement in SCP related investments and an own interest in the development of an enabling business environment, aiming at an inclusive green economy, speakers from the respective regions covered by the SWITCH programmes will give evidence and debate with the audience on how development practitioners can leverage private sector investments in green economy: what are the targets, with which means, what benefits can be expected?Clear and successful examples from the SWITCH Programme’s grant projects and beneficiaries will be showcased and a set of recommendations on improving the effectiveness of private sector investments in terms of sustainable growth and green jobs put forward.For more information Continue Reading
At the invitation of the European Union Delegation in Uganda, the SWITCH to Green facility organised a four-day training programme on the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE). The training was creatively designed as an interactive seminar, building on local and international case studies, and linking content to EU and national IGE policies and practices. Delivery was also innovative, directly involving key local partners in the learning process, and showcasing IGE transition processes at MSME level, through a field visit to active SWITCH Africa Green projects.Full training material and presentations are available here Continue Reading
The European Commission is launching a new call for proposals to select projects under SWITCH Africa Green. EUR 15 500 000 are allocated to this call for proposals. Grants ranging from EUR 600 000 to EUR 1 200 000 will be awarded to deliver the following programme result: MSMEs and business service providers are better equipped to promote and adopt SCP practices and seize green economy opportunities. Project proposals can be submitted by organisations such as business organisations, consumer organisations, research / development organisations,labour organisations, non-governmental organisations, public sector operators, local authorities, and international (inter-governmental) organisations. Please refer to the Guidelines for grant applicants published for this call.Information session:Date: Wednesday 1 March 2017Time: 10:00 – 12:00Venue: European Commission, DG EuropeAid, Room J-54 00/SDR2Address: Rue Joseph II 54, Brussels, Belgium Participation is free but registration is required. Please confirm your participation by Wednesday 22 February 2017 at the latest to thibaut.portevin@ec.europa.eu, indicating name, surname, nationality and email address of the persons who are going to participate as well as their organisation (max. two participants per organisation). About the programme: www.switchafricagreen.org/ and www.switchtogreen.eu Continue Reading
UNITAR and UN Environment will deliver the 2nd edition of the PAGE e-course ‘Green Economy and Trade’ (in English) between 13 March – 21 April 2017. The course introduces various concepts, policy instruments and enabling conditions to identify, assess and harness benefits of sustainable trade in the context of the 2030 Development Agenda. Fellowships are available to enable interested learners from developing countries to take part.The application deadline for fellowships is 20 February.Further information can be found at the registration link (https://www.unitar.org/event/full-catalog/green-economy-and-trade-0) or in the flyer (http://tinyurl.com/z6ke9z2).is a partnership between Continue Reading
Eco-inclusive Start-up Enterprises can Submit Their Candidacy by 08 March 2017. Continue Reading
Development of the metadata for SDG target 12.7 Continue Reading
SWITCH-Asia II launches its second call for proposals with a total budget of €19 600 000 funding grants ranging from €800 000 up to €2 500 000. Continue Reading
Summary and main conclusions of the SWITCH to Green Coordination Meeting available Continue Reading
Barcelona hosts the second edition of the SwitchMed Connect, an annual gathering that brings together leaders in the field of eco and social innovation in the Mediterranean countries. Continue Reading
An open call for applications for new countries to join PAGE was launched on 14/10 at the concluding session of the Green Economy Academy in Turin. More details and application pack are available at http://www.un-page.org/page-launches-call-applications-2016. PAGE Secretariat will be happy to provide additional information and support to countries in completing the application, as needed. Continue Reading
Organised in cooperation with the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component for Sri Lanka during the conference and exhibition Sri Lanka Next – A Blue-Green Era, the SWITCH-Asia event, planned for October 18, will feature selected case studies on climate change adaptation and mitigation from SWITCH-Asia projects. Continue Reading
26.09.2016 - 27.09.2016 | 0:00Its main objectives are:To provide participants with a better understanding of the work implemented by complementary initiatives supported by the EU on green economy and SCP, thus helping them identify commonalities and build synergies;To encourage participants contribution to cross-cutting EU initiatives (i.e. development of an interactive map on EU funded initiatives on green economy, thematic evaluation of EU support to SCP);To debate priorities to scale up existing actions on SCP and eco-entrepreneurship, e.g. through access to green financing for SMEs.The event is upon invitation only. Outcomes will be published on the website shortly after the meeting. Continue Reading
The United States and China announced that they would formally ratify the Paris Climate Agreement, a pivotal step towards reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The announcement comes on the eve of the G20 summit in Hangzhou, China, after weeks of negotiations between the two countries. Continue Reading
In July the EU-funded SMART Myanmar II project organized a study mission in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to meet women's community organizations and garment industry affiliates. Continue Reading
Palestine has closely assessed the status of Sustainable Consumption and Production in its country. Now the report has been published. Continue Reading
22.06.2016 - 23.06.2016| All dayIntroductory training to Inclusive Green Economy, complemented by a module on Strategic Environmental Assessment and site visits. This regional training is aimed at EU development cooperation staff and representatives from partner governments and organisations. Continue Reading