This study commissioned and led by UNESCO-UNEVOC, analyses the main barriers and enablers to mainstreaming aspects of the circular economy in the curricula and training of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions and developing the knowledge and skills needed to make the value chain of jobs and occupations circular. The goal is to inform and push the global discourse towards enhancing TVET’s contribution to the green transition and spotlight lessons relevant to the international TVET community.
The study examined TVET curriculum planning and delivery in three countries: Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. It involved a sample size of 27 different actors, relevant bodies and institutions of TVET that helped estimate the current status quo and identify areas of future action.
The study reveals four key factors that play a crucial role in driving the integration of skills and competencies for the circular economy in TVET: 1) policy and regulatory frameworks, 2) industry engagement and partnerships, 3) curriculum development and updates, and 4) TVET authorities and industry stakeholders working together to identify and encourage public and private investment in TVET.
Ensuring economic and social development without exceeding our planetary boundaries is an important challenge of the 21st century. Circular economy represents a transformative systemic approach to addressing this challenge.
Discover “A shared MDB’s Vision for the Circular Economy” presented by AfDB, EBRD, EIB, and World Bank Group during the World Circular Economy Forum 2024. Circularity is important for advancing the sustainable and just development agenda. This document articulates how these MDBs are dedicated to helping public and private sector stakeholders to introduce circular economy approaches. They are drawing on their cross-sectoral experience, technical assistance and advisory services to support existing and pioneering solutions for circular economy approaches.
The Circularity Gap Report 2024 highlighted the importance of the circular economy as a means for Build and Grow countries, broadly equivalent to low- and middle income countries, to address both socioeconomic and environmental objectives. This briefing emphasises that reforming international financial architecture is an essential step to enable a fairer and more accessible financing environment that Build and Grow countries can use to pursue circular investments.
This policy brief also demonstrates how governments can be more strategic with public spending, ultimately to embrace the circular economy and achieve sustainable development objectives.
Drawing on the findings of the Circularity Gap Report 2024, this briefing outlines the key policy measures for EU Member States and Members of European Parliament (MEPs) to advance the circular economy agenda and boost job opportunities. This includes pushing for the introduction of circular economy interventions as an enabler of the just, green transition, and expanding the scope and reach of the Just Transition Fund. It also calls on Member States to develop tailored policies and programmes to support workers.
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As one of the world’s top ten exporters of used textiles, the Netherlands is a key player in the complex networks of worn clothing around the world. In 2022, 248,000 tonnes of used textiles were exported from the Netherlands, totalling more than €193 million.
This report—Destinations of Dutch Used Textiles: Uses and Risks after Export— explores what happens to textiles collected in the Netherlands in their various destination countries and highlights the impacts and risks associated with these exports as well as how they are addressed.
This study aims at empowering the government and value chain stakeholders to better contribute to the creation of a circular and fair value chain for post-consumer textiles.
The Netherlands, a frontrunner in climate change mitigation and resource management, is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving full circularity by 2050. Despite commendable efforts in recycling, the nation grapples with substantial waste generation, highlighting the urgency for robust waste prevention strategies. This report explores the transformative journey toward waste prevention and the pivotal role of Dutch municipalities in reshaping urban landscapes.
The report serves as a blueprint for municipalities, guiding them toward a waste-free future. By implementing urban policy instruments, Dutch cities can lead the way in sustainable, circular practices, creating an inspiring model for the rest of the world to follow.
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This report takes stock of Circle Economy Foundation's achievements over the 2023 and accumulated results in the past decade.
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The Circular Economy in Groningen focuses on the Dutch province of Groningen. For nearly sixty years, natural gas extraction was one of the primary economic activities in the region. However, after experiencing extraction-related earthquakes, the province decided to phase out gas extraction. Now, Groningen is committed to diversifying and ‘greening’ its economy. To unite residents, organisations, companies, and governments to work towards this goal, a collaboration has been formed: the Dutch National Programme Groningen (NPG).
Building on the initial €1.15 billion of funding provided by the government for the implementation of the Programme, this report explores four strategic directions to guide NPG’s multi-year investment plans towards a circular economy. Embracing circularity in the transition from an extraction-based system to a more diversified and sustainable economy can yield numerous advantages, including enhanced social welfare, job creation, prevention of additional earthquake damage, and a competitive advantage for the region's main economic sectors—the Chemical and Agrifood industries—on both national and international levels.
This white paper—Leveraging corporate sustainability reporting for circular transformation: A starter guide—shares insights from the latest research endeavour by the Coalition Circular Accounting (CCA). The Coalition assessed the implications of European Sustainability Reporting Standard (ESRS) E5, Resource use and the circular economy, alongside Danish paint manufacturer Hempel.
Hempel was selected as a partner for this process as it provides a particularly illustrative case study for the task. A business evidently concerned with its impact on the environment in an industry where circularity is key for fulfilling sustainability ambitions—but one that needs to take significant steps to comply with the new reporting requirement.
The analysis of the Hempel case seeks to do two things. First, shine a light on the specific requirements of ESRS E5—providing a step-by-step guide for businesses to prepare themselves to report on circular economy topics. Second, to reframe compliance with ESRS E5 from being viewed as a laborious distraction into a unique opportunity to kickstart businesses' circular economy transitions.
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