The Netherlands at WCEF2023 in Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland | 30th of May until 2nd of June 2023

Join the Dutch delegation visit to the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF)!  This leading circular economy event will be organised in Helsinki from 30 May to 2 June, by Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and Nordic Innovation, and the Netherlands is an official partner.

Holland Circular Hotspot, together with the Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and Water management, and the Embassies in the Nordics and the Baltics, organise a programme for Dutch, Nordic, and Baltic (and beyond) exchange focused on (not limited to) circular plastics and circular construction. Dutch circular companies and organizations are invited to join!

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What to expect?

Together with a delegation of businesses, knowledge and government representatives, and the expected presence of mrs. Vivianne Heijnen, Dutch Minister for the Environment, we will visit Finland and join the WCEF 2023 edition. The Netherlands will have quite some presence, and we hope to utilize the momentum for the exchange of ideas and best practices with key players from the Nordic and Baltic region, and beyond.

Main components of the programme (preliminary):

  • Access to the full WCEF plenary programme, sessions and the expo
  • Official Accelerator Session – The Local Approach: Interregional Collaboration for a Circular Built Environment
  • Official Accelerator Session – The Local Approach: Interregional Collaboration for a Circular Plastics Value Chain
  • Official Accelerator Session – Circular Hotspots of the World: Driving the Global Movement
  • Official Accelerator Session – Africa’s Circular Journey, Unleashing the Power of Circular Economy Hubs
  • Networking event
  • Official NL Expo Booth

Circular Construction

On 30th May, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management co-leads a plenary session on the circular economy and the built environment, together with the Finnish Ministry of Environment, and the UN Environment Programme. To dive deeper into the topic and  illustrate how to close loops from a regional perspective, an official Accelerator Session will be organised (June 1 or 2) together with key players from the Nordics and Baltics.

 

Circular Plastics

Plastic might be a fantastic material. Given the public commotion and awareness around the waste footprint, and the increasing public and private initiatives and commitments, this is a market that is in motion and will change on every continent. Actions on plastics must be seen in both value-chain perspective and in international context. Both the Netherlands and the Nordic region are considered frontrunners in the circular economy. How can they work together to close the loop for plastics?

Together with key players from the Nordics, Baltics, and the Netherlands best practices will showcase and exchange how to close the loop on plastics in an official Accelerator Session (June 1 or 2).

 

Offical NL Expo Booth

The Netherlands is proud to showcase its circular economy approach by exhibiting best practices from both policy and business perspective at the upcoming WCEF Expo. It will function as a Netherlands pavilion meeting point and hotspot for the delegation to make use of. The Expo area will consist of a selection of around 40 stands.

 

Other Dutch activity on WCEF 2023

Next to aforementioned programme components, some other events with Dutch presence, will take place.

  • Official Accelerator session on looking back at the WCEF 2022 circular hub event ‘The Power of Circular Economy Hubs’ in Kigali, co-organised by Holland Circular Hotspot
  • Official Accelerator session on Circular Economy Hubs of the World, co-organised by Holland Circular Hotspot
  • The Netherlands has also been involved in the activities around circular economy finance, together with Circle Economy

Accelerator Sessions

The Local Approach: Interregional Collaboration for a Circular Built Environment

Join us for a discussion on the role of local initiatives in the transition to a circular economy. We will explore the impact of entrepreneurship and proximity in driving grassroots change, as well as the potential for collaboration between local and regional initiatives to inspire and increase impact. Discover how you can contribute to the global effort towards a sustainable future.

Register to join in person: here

Register to join the event digitally from anywhere in the world: here

The Local Approach: Interregional Collaboration for a Circular Plastics Value Chain

Local initiatives exemplify the power of entrepreneurship and grassroots action in expediting the shift toward closed-loop plastics value chains. How can we leverage the potential of local circular plastics initiatives in driving the worldwide transition to a circular economy?

Register to join in person: here

Register to join the event digitally from anywhere in the world: here

Circular Hotspots of the World: Driving the Global Movement

Explore how circular economy hubs worldwide can strengthen the global circular movement by sharing success stories and innovative approaches. Learn about the key to leveraging the growing network of international circular hotspots.

Register to join in person: here

Register to join the event digitally from anywhere in the world: here

Africa’s Circular Journey, Unleashing the Power of Circular Economy Hubs

Join us as we explore the impact of circular economy hubs in Africa, drawing on insights from the WCEF2022 and Lagos Circular Hotspot event. We’ll discuss the key question: How can we build on these learnings to foster cross-sector collaboration and drive innovative solutions for a sustainable circular future in Africa?

Register to join in person: here

Register to join the event digitally from anywhere in the world: here

Practical information

This programme is set up as a collective visit, based on a selection of separate events that show great momentum for Dutch circular businesses, knowledge institutes, organizations and (local, regional and national) government representatives to be part of. We invite you to join the events mentioned above, and to make use of the overall programme that WCEF offers on itself. Accommodation, logistics, meals and drinks are on the participants own expenses and need to be arranged independently. Recommendations will be shared soon.

Please be aware that availability for entrance is limited and high interest for the WCEF and mentioned programmes are expected. Fill in the registration form below to stay informed about developments and to reserve your spot.

Please contact Stéphanie Schuitemaker at stephanie.schuitemaker@hollandcircularhotspot.nl for additional questions or information.