The high-level side-event "Green and Circular – Can it be Fair?" puts circular economy on the agenda of the Summit of the Future. The transition from a linear to a circular economy requires a coordinated, systematic and coherent efforts to leverage systemic action across stakeholder groups. The event will discuss a way forward. Read more. Continue Reading
WATCH the Replay to explore practical applications of circular economy strategies in Ukraineand discover how integrating circular economy principles can mitigate construction waste, stimulate economic growth, and foster new opportunities in Ukraine. The recorded event was hosted by DG NEAR and Partners in the frame of the World Circular Economy Forum. Continue Reading
Watch the replay and explore how the Aceelerator Session of DG NEAR and partners at the WCEF emphasised the pivotal role of businesses in implementing the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and propelling the circular transition in the EU Neighbourhoods: the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, and the Southern Neighbourhood. Discover more. Continue Reading
“Adopting circular business models lays the groundwork for Ukraine's reconstruction, enabling the efficient reuse of industrial waste. We want to build Ukraine back better and this means build Ukraine back greener,” stated Nadiya Bigun, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy. In her address at the World Circular Economy Forum 2024 (WCEF) in Brussels, Belgium, the Deputy Minister highlighted Ukraine's commitment to adopting leading practices in environmentally friendly and resource-efficient solutions. Ukraine’s circular reconstruction was the focus of the forum’s Accelerator session, hosted by the EU's Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG Near) and UNIDO. The EU is supporting Ukraine to build a brighter future on a foundation of environmental sustainability – with funding but also with technical and legislative capacity, which is provided by the UNIDO and some other organizations. The session highlighted demonstrate practical applications of circular economy strategies in Ukraine. A panel discussion explored how integrating circular economy principles can mitigate construction waste, stimulate economic growth, and foster new opportunities in Ukraine. The event initiated discussions with experts regarding the sustainable reconstruction requirements. Further, the session highlighted successful examples of the circular economy implemented in practice and facilitated dialogue with construction professionals on the crucial prerequisites for sustainable Continue Reading
SwitchMed is excited to announce the launch of the WeMed Awards, a flagship initiative of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development, now in its fourth edition. This year, our focus is on celebrating the success stories of sustainable businesses in the Blue Economy Sector across the Southern Mediterranean Region. Discover more. Continue Reading
Nigeria recently launched a Circular Economy Roadmap. It sets out a comprehensive plan to transform Nigeria from a linear to a circular economy by 2050. Find out more. Continue Reading
With participants representing 158 countries, WCEF2024 served as a global platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and transformative action towards a more sustainable future. The European Commission addressed the audience with an exhibition stand that highlights key EU policy proposals and showcases selected key initiatives funded by the EU to accelerate the circular economy - already including a 40 Million Euro commitment to Eastern and Southern Africa - discover more. Continue Reading
An upcoming EU Circular Economy Resource Centre under the Global Gateway strategy will facilitate peer-to-peer exchanges and partnerships between EU and third-country stakeholders, fostering the uptake of sound circular economy policies and business models worldwide. Discover more. Continue Reading
Are EU initiatives towards a circular economy transition a source of inspiration, paving the way for innovative policies, business and market practices, while bolstering competitiveness? Or do they risk creating barriers for market access or global trade? These were the underlying questions for the Accelerator Session hosted by the European Commission and partners. And answers were surprising.... Continue Reading
At #WCEF2024, Martin Seychell, Deputy Director General, Directorate-General for International Partnerships was part of a panel discussing what kind of policies are needed to manage the circular economy transition, and how companies see the regulatory changes ahead. In the session 'European and global perspectives on policy, investment and innovation', he explained the EU's role in in driving circular policies and investments - discover more. Continue Reading
The #WCEF2024 Accerator Session illustrates how EU initiatives like EU4Green, EU4Environment, and SwitchMed shift policies towards circularity while also directly supporting the private sector. The session will feature Circular Roadmaps supported by #DG NEAR and OECD accelerate the transition across the Western Balkan and showcases businesses and entrepreneurs, who have been agents of change driving the circular economy transition. Don't miss it. Continue Reading
Can circular economy principles enhance the green recovery process in Ukraine while encouraging long-term economic and environmental benefits? This #WCEF2024 Accelerator Session will show that in light of the present circumstances, it is paramount to amplify and replicate circular entrepreneurs, spotlighting these pioneering firms and promoting their Circular Economy implementation success stories. Discover more. Continue Reading
Are EU initiatives towards a circular economy transition a source of inspiration, paving the way for innovative market practices and bolstering competitiveness or merely a form of market leverage? Don’t miss the discussion in the EU led Accelerator Session at #WCEF2024. Discover more about experiences and partnerships supported by the EU to accelerate the circular economy transition. Continue Reading
The world’s leading event for circular economy thinkers, doers and leaders hits Brussels in April 2024, showcasing the most impactful circular solutions from around the world. Online participation is open to everyone.Discvoer more. Continue Reading
The role of extended producer responsibility in climate change mitigation was discussed at the Phillipines Pavilion at COP28. Get the details. Continue Reading
Is circularity as a game changer for climate action – this question was discussed at a panel on 3rd December during COP 28, hosted by the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy. Continue Reading
This webinar will explore how the application of the circular economy approach can support the goals of COP28. It will also outline how bringing the circular economy to the forefront of all multilateral negotiations can help ensure that there is an aligned approach to addressing global environmental challenges within planetary boundaries. Continue Reading
This COP 28 event will bring together senior city experts and policymakers from selected cities in the LAC region and European cities to showcase best practice and provide a two-way opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking in a circular economy, Continue Reading
In the frame of COP28, the EU (co)-funded actions UN Partnership for Action on Green Econony and GACERE with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the United Nations University (UNU) examine key challenges and opportunities of a circular economy transition and reflect on real examples of success and best practices from the research-policy space and the real economy. Continue Reading
The Circular Economy Action Plan II The EU's Circular Economy Action Plan 'For a cleaner and more competitive Europe', adopted in March 2020, plays a key role in delivering the European Green Deal’s ambitious vision of a just, climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and competitive economy. With the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, and its implementing legislative initiatives, the will : promote Ecodesign, towards making sustainable products the norm in the EU; boost circular business models in priority value chains, like textiles and construction; help substantiate green claims made by companies, fight planned product obsolescence and promote the right to repair set high standards on responsible business conduct and due diligence for EU companies and their global supply chain,s just to refer to few of the most recent legislative proposals put forward by the European Commission. The implementation of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) - a major building block of the European Green Deal– puts forward legislative initiatives to move to a truly circular economy. CEAP includes a strong international dimension. These measures aim at catalysing new ways of doing business, different patterns of consumption, and better technologies for saving resources and recycling of secondary materials, products that are durable and repairable Continue Reading
Making sustainable products the norm The economic model we currently follow, known as 'take-make-replace,' has negative consequences such as resource depletion, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. The “take-make-use-dispose” pattern does not provide producers and their designers with incentives to make their products more circular. Additionally, it fosters Europe's reliance on external resources. This is why, the EU is transitioning towards a circular economy model that based on the production of sustainable goods. On 30 March 2022, the EU Commission launched the proposal for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation - the cornerstone of its’ strategy to make sustainable products the norm. The new rules build on the existing Ecodesign Directive, which sets ecodesign requirements at EU level for energy-related products. They cover almost all products on the EU market for maximum environmental and economic benefit. Circular Economy knowledge Whereas a common believe is, that circular economy only covers waste, the opposite is true.... (flip) Design is crucial for circularity Circular approaches cover all stages of the lifecycle of a product. The design stage determines up to 80% of a product's lifecycle environmental impact. Credit: EU Commission /DG Environment WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT REGULATION? Continue Reading
Sustainable and Circular Textiles The average European discards about 11 kg textiles every year. Consumption of textiles in the EU has the fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change, after food, housing and mobility. Additionally, it ranks third in water and land use, and fifth in the use of primary raw materials. The proposal fpr a EU's Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles outlines a vision and actionable steps to ensure that textile products sold in the EU market by 2030 are durable, recyclable, predominantly made from recycled fibers, free from hazardous substances, and produced in a manner that respects social rights and the environment. The goal is for consumers to enjoy high-quality textiles for longer, while fast fashion becomes less popular. The strategy also aims to make economically viable reuse and repair services widely available. Producers within the textiles sector must take responsibility for their products throughout the value chain, including during the waste stage. This will foster a thriving circular textiles ecosystem, supported by innovative fiber-to-fiber recycling capabilities, while minimizing the incineration and landfilling of textiles. The EU Commission’s 2030 Vision for Textiles Textiles placed on the EU market are: • durable, repairable and recyclable • Continue Reading
The European Green Deal The European Green Deal presents a roadmap for making the EU’s economy sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas and making the transition just and inclusive for all. The European Green Deal aims to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy and stop climate change, revert biodiversity loss and cut pollution. It outlines investments needed and financing tools available, and explains how to ensure a just and inclusive transition. The European Green Deal covers all sectors of the economy, notably transport, energy, agriculture, buildings, and industries such as steel, cement, ICT, textiles and chemicals. The European Green Deal provides an action plan, to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy and to restore biodiversity and cut pollution. It embraces various policy areas (compare timeline to the right). The benefits of the European Green Deal The European Green Deal will improve the well-being and health of citizens and future generations by providing: fresh air, clean water, healthy soil and biodiversity renovated, energy efficient buildings healthy and affordable food more public transport cleaner energy and cutting-edge clean technological innovation longer lasting Continue Reading
European experiences in changing the textile industry were a strong focus in a session on "the Wardrobe of the Future" at the World Circular Economy Forum 2023. Find out more. Continue Reading
Participants from the SwitchMed industry pilot projects in Morocco, exchanged on important lessons learnt from global projects on the circular economy, along with attendees from the EU-funded SWITCH2CE project and DG INTPA. Discover more. Continue Reading
Discover more on the opportunity to enhance knowledge and understanding of the interlinkages among the European Green Deal’s main priority areas, focusing on the circular economy. Continue Reading
The Switch:COLAB wides the circle of the Circular Economy discourse, and listens to different perspectives and experiences from a brand, the supplier level and governing institutions. Discover what potential they see for CE strategies on a global level, also bringing in perspectives from emerging economies. Continue Reading
The increasing importance of the circular economy will have a significant impact on the shape of jobs and competencies. Circular mindsets and skills must be addressed directly in the classroom, and this requires an investment in resources such as suitable training equipment, teacher training, resource libraries, and more. HOW? Find out at our event at EU Green Week. Learn how to register. Continue Reading
Big win for Mauritius at the Responsible Tourism Awards. The SWITCH Africa Green project partner Mauritius Tourism Authority was awarded top honours in two distinct categories; Best for Local Sourcing, Craft and Food and Addressing Climate Change, at the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2023 held in Cape Town, South Africa. Discover why. Continue Reading
What circular approaches can contribute to reducing the footprint of the textile and garment industry? while people bought 60% more garments in 2014 than in 2000, they only kept the clothes for half as long. Only 1% of material used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing (globally). Reason enough for representatives from the European Commission, Circle Economy, research, and the textile industry to discuss the required technical, social, and business innovation, supported by policy, education and changes in production and consumption practices in the textile industry at the WCEF Acclerator Session. Watch the Replay. Continue Reading
A new policy paper developed under the Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains project, evaluates how EU policy is driving the transition to the circular economy, its impact on global value chains and how developing country producers can navigate changing markets. Continue Reading
What are the implications of EU circular policies on producers and exporters in developing countries. Watch the replay of our session at @WCEF2022 on policy, trade, and finance context for the #plastics and #textile #industry in developing markets towards a #CircularEconomy. Continue Reading
How can solutions my mirco and small enterprises create better policies, improved governance and social equality, across the fields of alternative energy, waste recycling, and ecosystem services? The EU co-funded Green Economy Coalition will illustrate experience of local green enterprises in East Africa that are already adapting and evolving towards circular and green production of goods and services. Continue Reading
Take a deep dive into the textiles industry. The session will underscore the significance of the sector with its significant proportion of carbon emission. Speaker will highlight the potential of circular business models and design to reduce the negative impacts of textile production. Find our more. Continue Reading
With a viable business case in mind, more and more enterprises consider joining the circular economy but lack support of locally led service providers. What does it take to revitalising regional service providers and ensure best practice support is available to businesses investing in circularity from the local level? Watch the replay. Continue Reading
How can circular strategies reduce emissions and carbon-neutral alternatives in key value-chains for the Mediterranean economy? Join the discussion to explore crucial cross-border and cross-sectoral partnerships needed to action system changes in food, construction and plastics. Continue Reading
How can our consumption contribute to climate change mitigation? This question is at heart of this side-event at #COP27. Aiming at systemic transitions, the event explores demand-side and behavior change mitigation pathways. Continue Reading
This side event at the COP 27 event will show-case the role of circular economy approaches in curbing emissions along the food value-chain providing successful examples funded by the EU though its SWITCH regional programmes. Get more information. Continue Reading
Team Europe is Europe's answer to a changing geopolitical landscape that increasingly requires collective, swift and decisive action at multilateral and country level.It is about sending a strong message of European partnership and solidarity to build back better in a green, just, sustainable and inclusive way, while being responsive to human development priorities. If you want to know more, join the INTPA Academy. Continue Reading
On 6-18 November 2022, Egypt is hosting the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh. The EU set an ambitious roadmap towards a climate-neutral circular economy, where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. What role do food systems play in climate change mitigation? For more information, join us at our Side Event at COP 27. Continue Reading
SwitchMed is excited to announce that the programme's flagship event will take place on 9-10 November in Rimini (Italy). It will be the first in-person edition of the second phase of the SwitchMed programme. SwitchMed Connect is gathering Mediterranean stakeholders to build synergies, exchange knowledge, and scale up eco and social innovations. Find out how to register. Continue Reading
At SWITCH-Asia Annual Event in Bangkok, the EU renews its commitment to support Asia and Central Asia in their efforts moving towards an inclusive green and circular economy through responsible consumption and production policies and actions. Continue Reading
For this second edition, the WeMed Award, organized by MedWaves and Texfor, will shed light on the textile and clothing sectors. The WeMed Award is a flagship initiative of the UNEP/MAP Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development. Continue Reading
The European Development Days bring together the development community, sparking new collaborations and initiatives that address the world’s most pressing challenges. Online Registration is still open. Find out more. Continue Reading
A new publication gathers information on ongoing SWITCH-Asia projects in 2022. The SWITCH-Asia Grants Programme funds pilot projects helping companies adopt cleaner technologies and more sustainable industrial practices, as well as helping consumers to act more responsibly in their daily choices and lifestyles Continue Reading
The 4th Mozambique-EU Economic Round Table organised by the EU DElegation and partners on the 12th of May 2022 debated "Opportunities for the private sector in the transition towards a greener and smarter society”. Discover more. Continue Reading
Through inspiring sessions and debates #EDD22 offer a unique forum where thought-provoking ideas are shared to create a more sustainable world . Do you want to shape the international agenda on development? Discover where to register! Continue Reading
Communicating Effectively about Sustainable Consumption and Production - the SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility collected lessons learnt from project, policy and advocacy work. Discover their insights. Continue Reading
With the Regulation on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products, the European Commission is proposing new rules to make almost all physical goods on the EU market more friendly to the environment, circular, and energy efficient throughout their whole lifecycle from the design phase through to daily use, repurposing and end-of-life. Continue Reading
On the sidelines of the European Union-African Business Forum 2022, a webinar organised by the African Development Bank’s Fashionomics Africa initiative and DG INTPA with UNEP and the SWITCH to Green Facility showcased circular business models, and participants discussed opportunities for investments and trade cooperation within Africa and the European Union. Find out more. Continue Reading
If you want to deepen your knowledge of the circular economy, how to shape the transition, create circular policies and programme, DG INTPA and the SWITCH to Green Facility have developed e-courses. Know more on these learning opportunities on offer. Continue Reading
Listen to encouraging stories of innovative textile and clothing entrepreneurs who are already embracing circular approaches at the #EABF - the Europe Africa Business Forum. Join our online event that will discuss how fashion entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Africa can build more sustainable, resilient, and circular textile value chains. Get more information. Continue Reading
Be part of the Green Economy Coalition Global Meeting! @EU_Partnerships will be speaking on how to accelerate a green and fair recovery. Visit the complete programme and learn where to register. Continue Reading
How circularity cuts carbon emissions, this issue is discussed at a virtual COP26 side event hosted by the EU on November 6th. The event illustrates the different pathways for the transition by highlighting experience from the SWITCH-Asia and Switch Africa Green programme. Register now. Continue Reading
How to tackle the e-waste challenge in Africa? Different perspectives and experiences were discussed at the World Resources Forum 2021. Read the full story. Continue Reading
The new publication "Results and Indicators for Development: Circular Economy offers guidance to build strong logical frameworks (identifying SMART results and measurable indicators) in line with INTPA priorities on the circular economy. Discover more. Continue Reading
Join our online workshop on Circular economy policy and business solutions to e-waste challenges in Africa at the World Resources Forum 2021. By 2050, people are set to consume an estimated 140 billion tons of natural resources like minerals, ores, fossil fuels and biomass per year, compared to 60 billion tons in 2005 (IRP, 2011). A record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide in 2019, up 21 per cent in just five years, according to the UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020. Numbers leave no doubt action on e-waste management is needed. Tune it to our online event. Get more information. Continue Reading
A new Finance Brief produced by the SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility presents an overview of financing opportunities for SMEs and their SCP-related activities and summarises recommendations to Development Finance Institutions for increasing (access to) relevant funding in India.Discover more. Continue Reading
SwitchMed Connect is finally back! The 2021 edition of this long-awaited event will take place on 19-20 October, both in Barcelona and online as this year, due to the pandemic context, its format will be hybrid. More information to come, stay tuned! Continue Reading
An analytical report on the construction sectorin Kyrgystan was discussed at a recent workshop hosted by the SWITCH-Asia programme. The EU-SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility, together with its partner, the Civic Foundation Unison Group, have been providing support to the Government to promote and enhance SCP and Circular Economy in the construction and building sector, with a focus on energy efficiency. Continue Reading
How to foster awareness on significance of the food consumption and how to recognise the opportunities to promote sustainable food consumption in Asia? Topics to be discussed at the upcoming Sub-Regional Dialogue on Promoting Sustainable Food Consumption in Southeast and Northeast Asia. Discover how to join. Continue Reading
The new book provides readers with practical knowledge and information about the vast number of EU SWITCH-Asia funded projects that have been implemented in Asia for over a decade, as well as insights about their impact in the region. Discover more. Continue Reading
Circular economy is a key topic of our European green deal, which call for a global response to climate change and environmental degradation. The lab debate on Building new partnerships to globally support EU priorities on the circular economy explored how the circular economy helps SMEs not only to address environmental impacts but also to develop and contribute to decent jobs and the growth of their business. Continue Reading
Learn more on Circular Economy and Sustainable Lifestyles. An online course with the aim to disseminate and shape up knowledge and case studies of Sustainable Consumption and production (SCP), highlighting sustainable lifestyles and circular economy, and to promote uptake and advocate SCP policies of Asian countries, is now available. Discover more. Continue Reading
What are enabling factors for financing SCP Business Cases? That was a research question of a team of experts that examined projects funded by the SWITCH-Asia Programme.Discover more Continue Reading
Waste and plastics in a circular economy - the topic is featured in a new SWITCH-Asia video. Please watch. Continue Reading
The #WeMedAward recognises success stories of sustainable businesses and successful initiatives by public authorities to support them in the #Mediterranean. Applications open in June 2021 - find out more. Continue Reading
Our EDD session on 15 June showcases circular business models supported by the EU in partner countries through the SWITCH programmes. It highlights how SMEs develop and contribute to decent jobs while addressing environmental impacts.Meet our speakers. Continue Reading
On 7 June 2021 (12:00-15:00 CEST / UTC+2), the Italian G20 Presidency and the EU are organising an online workshop on Circular Fashion to inform discussions in the G20. Continue Reading
Join the SWITCH project lab at the EDDs. The lab showcases circular business models supported by the EU in partner countries through the SWITCH programmes. It highlights how SMEs develop and contribute to decent jobs while addressing environmental impacts. Continue Reading
Join four days of thought-provoking discussions on zero pollution. The public health, environmental, moral and socio-economic case for the EU to lead the global fight against pollution is today stronger than ever. Continue Reading
In Kabul, 4,700 houses have been equipped with energy saving solutions contributing to saving 2054 metric ton of heating biomass fuel per year. These saving are only only achievement of the EU SWITCH-Asia project Kabul Green Homes. Discover more on impact and lessons learnt. Continue Reading
A new call for expressions of interest for projects on circular plastic packaging and textiles in developing countries is now open. The call is part of the five-year “SWITCH to Circular Economy Value Chains” project, funded by the European Union. The project exemplifies the international development cooperation dimension of the new EU Circular Economy Action Plan. Continue Reading
Current digitalisation trends and COVID19 challenges are proving the potential of the e-learning and e-mentoring services. Discover the TheSwitchers.org web-platform, a learning and business development management system enabling interaction among entrepreneurs, business providers, mentors and financial institutions in the domain of Green and Circular Economy. Continue Reading
The EU funded SWITCH-Asia Regional Policy Advocacy Component (RPAC), in the partnership with UNEP and Tongji University, organized a visual prologue event to the 2021 Leadership Academy on “Circular Economy Technology. Discover the details. Continue Reading
The EU-funded guidance "Turning the Tide: How to finance a sustainable ocean recovery" provides a market-first practical toolkit for financial institutions to pivot their activities towards financing a sustainable blue economy. It outlines how to avoid and mitigate environmental and social risks and impacts, as well as highlighting opportunities. Continue Reading
Countries across the world have started the journey towards a Circular Economy. A research on the support to the Circular Economy transition at country level, delivered insights in the country experiences of Colombia, Ecuador, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Uganda and Senegal. Continue Reading
On 10 March 2021 at 3:30pm (CET), a UN-Oxford panel discussion - "Are We Building Back Better?" - will bring together global leaders and international institutions to debate progress, explore openings, and attempt to answer some of the major questions following the COVID-19 pandemic. The global economy has contracted by nearly 4 percent in 2020. Internationally, more than two million people have died, over 100 million have been infected and many hundreds of millions have been thrown out of work or reduced to poverty. And three planetary crises loom: climate instability, nature loss, and increasing levels of pollution. Efforts to recover from the pandemic must take account of these crises or risk further shocks and take us farther from achieving Sustainable Development. A team of international leaders and experts will ask and answer the questions that matter: What is at risk if we fail to build back better? Can recovery spending bring strong economic and job impacts while securing environmental progress? Have countries been using COVID-19 spending to tackle climate change, nature loss, and pollution? How can countries better leverage recovery spending to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and more equitable world? The conference will also serve as a launch pad Continue Reading
Efforts to recover from the pandemic must take account of these crises or risk further shocks and take us farther from achieving Sustainable Development. Global leaders and international institutions will debate progress, explore openings, and attempt to answer some of the major questions following the COVID 19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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
The upcoming publication consists of stand-alone modules, each targeting a specific sub-theme, such as Circular Economy and the Growing Inequalities Circular Economy and Rising Natural Resource Use Circular Economy and Urbanisation Circular Economy and Global Value Chains and Trade Circular Economy and Digitalisation Circular Economy and Climate Change Circular Economy and Pollution The publication will be available soon. Please come back. 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 DG INTPA 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. For different sectors the publication pinpoints to challenge... but also highlights the entry points how green, notably circular approaches can address the challenges and facilitate solutions. To discover the whole story, download the brochure Supporting the Circular Economy or view online here. Continue Reading
In 2015, landmark international agreements were established with the adoption of the UN 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. The Paris agreement, in particular, includes the commitment to align financial flows with a pathway towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development. To achieve the EU's 2030 targets agreed in Paris, including a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, we have to fill an investment gap estimated at 180 billion EUR per year. The EU is already providing impetus to help attract the required investments with the European Fund for Strategic Investments and other initiatives. In 2017, almost one third of investments mobilised by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) were channelled into energy, environment and resource efficiency projects and social infrastructure. The EFSI 2.0 extends the fund until 2020 and raises investment targets to EUR 500 billion, with at least 40% of EFSI financing for infrastructure and innovation to support climate action projects. However, the scale of the investment challenge is beyond the capacity of the public sector alone. The financial sector has a key role to play in reaching those goals. It can re-orient investments towards more sustainable technologies and businesses finance growth in a sustainable manner over the long-term contribute to the creation of a Continue Reading
According to Eurostat estimates, employment in the EU-28’s environmental economy rose from 2.8 million full-time equivalents (FTEs) in 2000 to 4.5 million full-time equivalents in 2016. The environmental economy in the EU-28 generated EUR 746 billion of output and EUR 303 billion of value added in 2016. These trends in employment and value added in the environmental economy indicate considerably faster growth than that of the overall economy and of gross domestic product (GDP). Moreover, according to the World Employment and Social Outlook 2018: Greening with Jobs, action to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius will result in sufficient job creation to more than offset job losses of 6 million elsewhere. The environmental goods and services sector helps manage pollution and natural resources, which covers inter alia waste management, air pollution, controlling and cleaning up soil, as well as recycling, renewable energy and water supply. However, green jobs do not only include those in the eco-industry sector; activities in other sectors like in organic farming, sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism much depend on a healthy environment, while many other jobs are impacted indirectly. Green growth is therefore both a challenge and an opportunity for the labour market and skills which, Continue Reading
The European Union is a global leader in the sustainable use of natural resources within an efficient bioeconomy, which is essential to most of the Sustainable Development Goals. Bioeconomy encompasses all sectors and systems that rely on biological resources (animals, plants, micro-organisms and derived biomass, including organic waste), their functions and principles, including and interlinking: land and marine ecosystems and the services they provide; all primary production sectors that use and produce biological resources (agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture); and all economic and industrial sectors that use biological resources and processes to produce food, feed, bio-based products, energy and services. With a turnover value of €2.3 trillion and accounting for 8.2% of the EU's workforce in 2015 (Ronzon, T. et al., 2018), the bioeconomy is a central element to the functioning and success of the EU economy. Sustainability and circularity are at the heart of the European bioeconomy, driving the EU industry renewal, the EU primary production system modernisation, as well as environmental protection and biodiversity enhancement. The content above is hosted by a third party (www.youtube.com). By viewing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of www.youtube.com. Understanding the European Bioeconomy Strategy: Launched and adopted on 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
Europe's public authorities are major consumers, with public procurement expenditure covering about 16% of European Gross Domestic product. By using their purchasing power to choose environmentally friendly goods, services and works – a practice called Green Public Procurement (GPP) or green purchasing – they can make an important contribution to sustainable consumption and production. GPP, including sustainable procurement initiatives, tools and guidance, has a key role to play in the EU's efforts to become a more resource-efficient economy. It can help stimulate a critical mass of demand for more sustainable goods and services which otherwise would be difficult to get onto the market. GPP is therefore a strong stimulus for eco-innovation and circular economy. “Green Public Procurement is a process, whereby public authorities seek to procure goods, services and works with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle when compared to goods, services and works with the same primary function that would otherwise be procured.” (COM (2008) 400 Public procurement for a better environment) Understanding Green Public Procurement in the EU In the Communication “Public procurement for a better environment” (COM (2008) 400) the Commission recommended the creation of a process for setting common GPP criteria. 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
LIFE is one of the main EU financial instrument supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects throughout the EU. On 21 May 2022, the LIFE programme – will turn thirty. The programme exists since 1992, so far has co-financed more than 5 500 projects. The European Commission has increased LIFE funding by almost 60% for 2021 - 2027. It now stands at €5.4 billion for the 2021-2027 period. LIFE is therefore a major source of lessons and inspiration, including for cooperation on the green economy, considering the programme experience in areas such as green jobs promotion and support to SMEs in the circular economy. Overview of the programme LIFE is designed to support reaching the objectives of the Union legislation and policy on environment, including nature and biodiversity, and on climate action, including the transition to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency through: Developing and promoting innovative techniques and approaches and disseminating knowledge and best practices, including through the support of the Natura 2000 network; Improving governance at all levels, in particular through enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society; Catalysing the large-scale deployment of successful technical and policy-related solutions by integrating 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
The Green Action Plan (GAP), adopted in July 2014, aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) take advantage of the opportunities offered by the transition to a green economy. The GAP is expected to: raise SMEs’ awareness of: Resource Efficiency improvements; and circular economy’s potential for Productivity, Competitiveness and Business opportunities. inform SMEs about EU Resource Efficiency actions under: the COSME, Horizon 2020 and LIFE programmes the European Structural and Investment Funds. GAP sets out a series of objectives and corresponding actions which can be grouped in five thematic areas: Greening SMEs for more competitiveness and sustainability GAP aims at improving resource efficiency in SMEs with a view to both reducing production costs and increasing productivity gains. Better use of resources within the EU industry is expected to lead to an estimated overall savings of €630 billion per year. Relevant GAP activities focus on the provision of information, advice and support to SMEs, the facilitation of access to finance and the improvement of technology transfer mechanisms. Green entrepreneurship for the companies of the future The green economy transition process, including (among others) actions promoting resource efficient solutions and preventing environmental damage, offers a range of new business opportunities for Continue Reading
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to companies taking responsibility for their impact on society. CSR is important for the sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation of EU enterprises and the EU economy. It brings benefits for risk management, cost savings, access to capital, customer relationships, and human resource management. The European Commission promotes CSR in the EU and encourages enterprises to adhere to international guidelines and principles. Relevant EU policy is built on an agenda for action aiming at: enhancing the visibility of CSR and disseminating good practices; improving and tracking levels of trust in business; improving self and co-regulation processes; enhancing market rewards for CSR; improving company disclosure of social and environmental information; further integrating CSR into education, training, and research; emphasising the importance of national and sub-national CSR policies; better aligning European and global approaches to CSR. CSR is generally company led, but public authorities can play a supporting role through a smart mix of voluntary policy measures and, where necessary, complementary regulation. European CSR Awards winners' video, 2013 Implementing the EU Strategy on CSR: going beyond required compliance Corporate social responsibility refers to companies voluntarily going beyond what the law requires to achieve social and environmental objectives during the 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
An eco-innovation is “any innovation that makes progress towards the goal of sustainable development by reducing impacts on the environment, increasing resilience to environmental pressures or using natural resources more efficiently and responsibly”. Source: Decision N° 1639/2006/EC Eco-innovation is vital for delivering the Europe 2020 Strategy objectives, as recalled by both the Resource Efficient Europe and the Innovation Union Flagship Initiatives. It is also key to delivering many aspects of the circular economy: industrial symbiosis or ecologies, cradle-to-cradle design and new, innovative business models. In this context and to accelerate its market uptake, an Eco-innovation Action Plan (EcoAP) addressing relevant barriers and drivers, was adopted by the European Commission in December 2011. EcoAP generally helps businesses and consumers to reduce negative impact on the environment with a positive impact on the economy and society, aiming to: integrate eco-innovation in environmental and industrial policies, by focussing on its contribution to economic growth, job creation and EU industry competitiveness; ensure appropriate funding for market replication and demonstration projects, clusters and public-private partnerships, and networks implementing innovative public procurement; identify areas where standards and performance targets could have the biggest impact and to propose their development; trigger support to SMEs from the public Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce scelerisque iaculis libero, ac pellentesque mi fermentum vitae. Donec ipsum tellus, dapibus at blandit sed, iaculis quis est. Maecenas luctus facilisis lacus, et aliquet arcu cursus vitae. Nulla dolor erat, iaculis in gravida quis, pellentesque sed tortor. Aliquam varius euismod orci venenatis tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Duis vel pharetra metus, ut pretium mi. Nunc at dolor eros. Aenean tempor viverra risus sit amet condimentum. Continue Reading
Enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor. Enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor. Continue Reading
Enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor. Enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor. Continue Reading
Enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor. Enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor. Continue Reading
Enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor. Enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Continue Reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. 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
COSME Aligned with the priorities of the Small Business Act (SBA), 3.6 billion euros have been invested from 2007 to 2013 in order to implement the EU Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP). The CIP has been relayed by COSME, which is the EU Programme for Competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. COSME aims to promote the creation and growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as well as the competitiveness and sustainability of EU's enterprises and in particular SMEs. The programme runs from 2014 to 2020, with a budget of €2.3billion. COSME focuses on SMEs, by: facilitating access to finance, through two financial instruments, covering about 60% of COSME budget: the Loan Guarantee Facility, providing guarantees and counter-guarantees to intermediaries (financial institutions) enabling them to provide more loan and lease finance to SMEs; and the Equity Facility for Growth, providing risk capital to equity funds enabling them to support SMEs in their expansion and growth-stage phases; supporting access to markets and internationalisation; creating better framework conditions for competitiveness; promoting entrepreneurship. Key implementation achievements COSME builds on the success of CIP, the EU Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme. Among the most important achievements of the CIP figures the effectiveness of the action on 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
Workshop on "Inclusive Green Economy : seizing new opportunities to generate growth, create jobs and help reduce poverty". Kampala, Uganda, 24-27 April 2017Trainers:Alexander Charalambous, SWITCH to Green FacilityJens Kristian Norgaard, SWITCH to Green FacilityJuan Palerm, ECCM FacilityDAY 1 'GE Stakeholders' Workshop' (24 April 2017)Morning Session09.00Welcoming speech by the EU Head of Delegation, Ambassador Kristian Schmidt Introductions Objectives of the training Agenda and logistics09.30Module 1: Why the green economy? Addressing environmental challenges and seizing economic opportunitiesPresentation by the SWITCH to Green & Mainstreaming Facilities and discussion in plenary> Presentation (.pptx)10.45Coffee break11.00Module 2: Understanding inclusive green economy Presentation in plenary by the SWITCH to Green & Mainstreaming Facilities (key concepts and success factors for the implementation of inclusive green economy)> Presentation (.pptx)Session: An economic/business perspective: Presentation by Ms Lilian Anguparu, Amfri farms Ltd, followed by discussion> Amfri Presentation (.pptx)12.30LunchAfternoon Session13.30Presentation by AfDB (Mr Philip Gareth) on insights and empirical findings arising from recent studies in Eastern Africa.> AFDB Presentation (.pptx)Presentation on the SWITCH Africa Green – SEED initiative (SAG-SEED Replicator Programme) by Ms Magdalena Kloibhofer.> SAG-SEED Presentation (.pptx)Presentations and discussion on two case studies:Case Study 1 by Mr Silver Ssebagala: Uganda Small-scale industries association, ‘Promoting sustainable product innovation and energy efficient practices Continue Reading
The Action Plan(2015) aimed to stimulate Europe's transition towards a circular economy to boost global competitiveness, foster sustainable economic growth and generate new jobs. It gives a clear signal to economic operators that the EU is using all the tools available to transform its economy, opening the way to new business opportunities and boosting competitiveness. The Plan promotes a broad range of measures for changing the full product lifecycle, that go beyond a narrow focus on the end-of-life stage. Innovative and more efficient ways of producing and consuming increasingly emerge as a result of the incentives that the Action Plan puts in place. The circular economy has the potential to create many jobs in Europe and globally, while preserving precious and increasingly scarce resources, reducing environmental impacts of resource use and injecting new value into waste products. The 54 actions proposed under the Plan contribute to "closing the loop" of product lifecycles through sustainable consumption and production and sound waste management, including greater recycling and re-use, also by creating a market for secondary raw materials. This comes with benefits for the environment, the economy and the society. Together with the Action Plan, the 2015 Circular Economy package includes Revised Legislative Proposals on 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
Legal Disclaimer This website was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the implementing partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. The website SWITCHtoGreen.eu serves as the internet presence for the SWITCH to Green Initiative and the SWITCH to Green Facility. SWITCH to Green Facility Rue de la Science 14B, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium Team leader: Mr Alexander Charalambous The SWITCH to Green Facility is implemented by a consortium of Adelphi (lead), Cowi and Living Prospects. Contents of this website The SWITCH to Green Facility assumes no responsibility for the topicality, accuracy, completeness or the quality of the information provided. Liability claims against the SWITCH to Green Facility of a material or immaterial nature due to damages caused by the use or disuse of information are excluded, in so far as no wilful or gross negligence can be attributed to the SWITCH to Green Facility. The SWITCH to Green Facility explicitly reserves the right to change, add to, delete or to cease publication of this site (or parts thereof) temporarily or permanently, without prior notice. External Links This site contains links to third-party websites (external 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
‘Agenda for Change’ – Communication from the Commission ‘Increasing the impact of EU Development Policy: an Agenda for Change’. This document, adopted in 2011, states that EU development policy should promote green economy.2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development – a universal framework for all countries to help eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development by 2030 (one of the main areas of EU cooperation with the private sector on green economy). It was adopted in September 2015 by all 193 member countries of the United Nations.2030 SDGs – Sustainable Development Goals; 17 SDGs were adopted under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to balance economic, sustainable and environmental dimensions. These came into force on 1 January 2016.Circular economy – this is an ideal of an economy that aims to ‘close the loop’ of product lifecycles, aiming where possible for the reuse of materials, relying on restoration and regeneration to preserve and enhance natural capital as well as optimising resource yields. The European Commission has adopted a Circular Economy Package including an EU action plan for the Circular Economy adopted in December 2015.Europe 2020 Strategy – the EU’s growth strategy, in which the green economy concept is embedded. Launched in 2010 to create the conditions for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, this is 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
SWITCH to Green Coordination Meeting Brussels, 3-4 December 2018 Agenda Download PDF List of participants Download PDF PPT Presentations (please click on the titles to download) EIB - A. Relicovschi IFC - F. Mimotahari DG FISMA - M. Vleeschhouwer UNEP FI - C. Abb Day 2 - Session B One Planet - F. Pierre SWITCH to Green - A. Charalambous GGKP - B. Simmons Meeting report Download PDF 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
Thibaut Portevin Policy Officer - Forests and Green Economy European Commission DG International Cooperation and Development Unit C2 - Environment, Natural Resources, Water L-41 02/62, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium +32 (0) 2 29 92404 Thibaut.Portevin@ec.europa.eu Alexander Charalambous Team Leader – SWITCH to GREEN Facility Rue de la Science 14B B - 1040 Brussels M: +30 694 464 4623 / +32 472 200 158 E: a@lp.gr skype: alexvoiceip www.switchtogreen.eu Jens Kristian Nørgaard Technical expert- SWITCH to GREEN Facility Rue de la Science 14B B - 1040 Brussels M: +45 2164 4161 E: Jens_switch2green@outlook.com skype: jenskristiannoergaard www.switchtogreen.eu Continue Reading
Building on EU’s Domestic Experience in IGE The EU has significant experience in promoting the green economy domestically, notably through its environment policy and the Europe 2020 growth strategy. Many of the initiatives put forward by the EU in this context, focus on thematic issues that are also prioritised in international cooperation on green economy, such as green jobs, green SMEs, Sustainable Consumption and Production, eco-innovation, and resource efficiency. This offers scope for synergies, as well as lessons that can contribute to international cooperation actions on green economy. Check the links below for more information on some of these initiatives. Continue Reading
EU actorsThe European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) is responsible for designing and implementing EU international cooperation and development policy which, among others, commits the EU to "promote a ‘green economy’ that generates growth, create jobs and helps reduce poverty".DG DEVCO works closely with other Commission services responsible for thematic policies, as well as with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Commission services on external action. The EEAS is responsible for running 139 EU Delegations and Offices operating around the world, representing the European Union and its citizens globally. The EU Delegations play a key role in presenting, explaining and implementing EU’s foreign policies.International organisationsThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) plays a prominent role in promoting the transition to a green economy, by serving the Ten-year Framework Programme (10YFP) Secretariat on the one hand, and by being involved in the implementation of the SWITCH regional programmes on the other. .The UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) brings together five UN agencies – UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization), ILO (International Labour Organization), UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) – to provide Continue Reading
Inclusive green economy is a balanced and realistic pathway to sustainable development. As an economic model, it differs from traditional ones in that it takes due consideration of environmental and social externalities, and does not focus on GDP growth as ultimate economic goal. It rather focuses on resource efficiency and on ecosystems, as a building block of the economy, taking into account that environment degradation undermines long term economic growth and human development. As defined by the European Environment Agency, a green economy can be understood as one in which environmental, economic and social policies and innovations enable society to use resources efficiently -enhancing human well-being in an inclusive manner, while maintaining the natural systems that sustain us. Inclusive green economy is associated to a wealth of opportunities, for both people -to improve their living environments and have decent jobs- and for businesses – to increase benefits through more efficient production practices that generate savings, take advantage of the growing market for environmental goods and services, improve their image etc. The transition to an inclusive green economy entails joined efforts at many levels, including in stimulating sustainable lifestyles, scaling up sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and encouraging green entrepreneurship, through Continue Reading
The SWITCH to Green technical assistance Facility provides resources to support the elaboration and implementation of activities contributing to the Flagship Initiative. Tailor-made technical assistance in the following areas responds to needs identified amongst the SWITCH regional programmes: access to finance; policy support; training and toolkits on green economy; communication actions; and private sector development.The Facility is there to help countries involved in EU development cooperation activities. It assists dialogue and cooperation between the EU and partner countries’ stakeholders promoting a green transition process.Actions to improve synergies The Facility has a multi-task role, broken down into three main areas of action:Technical support to improve programme developmentTechnical advice is provided to the European Commission and development partners to better identify and formulate actions contributing to the green economy transition in partner countries. The Facility also assists with monitoring and evaluation, with a view to identifying and understanding potential synergies and opportunities to accelerate this transition. Examples of activities contributing to this result include:Mapping of relevant EU supported green economy initiativesIdentification of relevant lessons from the EU’s experience that could feed into the design of the projectsProvision of technical inputs during the formulation of projects and programmesSetting up and updating of project Continue Reading
The European Commission Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) launched the SWITCH to Green Flagship Initiative aiming at facilitating the transition to an inclusive green economy that generates growth, creates decent jobs, and helps reduce poverty. The Flagship initiative links complementary programmes to improve the overall coherence, coordination and visibility of existing and future EU-funded international cooperation initiatives on green and circular economy. The complementary programmes linked in the SWITCH to Green Flagship (S2G) Initiative contribute to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular goal 12: “Ensuring sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns”. The Initiative should also be seen in the context of the EU action plan on circular economy, which acknowledges the global dimension of the circular economy and foresees EU cooperation with international organisations and other interested partners as part of the global efforts to reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The S2G Flagship Initiative builds on several initiatives, in particular the SWITCH regional programmes: the SWITCH-Asia programme, the SwitchMed programme, and the SwitchAfricaGreen programme. Further EU funded programmes linked to the Flagship are the SWITCH to circular Calue Chains, Eco Business Africa and the Green Economy Coalition dialogues. Among others, the Flagship Continue Reading
Journalists with a specialisation in green economy, development cooperation, and environment may be interested in the following links… Continue Reading
SWITCH to Green works to strengthen the networks and supports that feed green commerce. Not only do SWITCH regional programmes help to boost the market, but the focus on knowledge sharing gives MSMEs and eco-entrepreneurs access to EU Good Practices and advice. By opening the channels between the public and private sectors and encouraging eco-incentives, the flagship initiative aims at creating an enabling environment where eco-entrepreneurship can thrive. SWITCH to Green, through its numerous environmental programmes and grant projects offers financial support for the private sector to develop and invest in SCP. Continue Reading
SWITCH to Green is not only about synergising initiatives and sharing best practices, but also about incorporating sustainability into policy frameworks. For developing countries, more efficient resource use is not only an urgent environmental concern; it also represents an opportunity for competitiveness and economic growth. One of the objectives of the Flagship Initiative is to identify ways for countries covered by the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) to generate an inclusive green economy. Continue Reading
SWITCH to Green promotes knowledge sharing and collaborative strength, with the Facility engaging in actions expanding EU knowledge on green economy tools and processes. By working to protect the environment and generate green economies in developing countries, the initiative supports EU environmental standards, improves the health of the global economy, and encourages better imports for Europe. Continue Reading
SWITCH to Green operates in line with the EU’s commitment to cooperate closely with international organisations as part of a global drive for environmental and economic sustainability. The Flagship Initiative has worked with international organisations from the beginning; collaboration is its key tool for mainstreaming inclusive green economy action. Continue Reading
SWITCH to Green works with various EU actors to enhance international progress towards green transition. Through technical assistance, including information and capacity building, the SWITCH to Green Facility assists EU Delegations and Directorates in effecting an inclusive green economy. The Facility works closely with EU DG International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO) units to assist them in identifying, formulating, monitoring and coordinating actions promoting an inclusive green economy. Continue Reading