SUMMARY

WORLD CIRCULAR ECONOMY FORUM 2024 SUMMARY REPORT

World
Circular
Economy
Forum 2024
Summary
Report
SUMMARY
From visions to actions
In 2024, the eighth annual World Circular
Economy Forum brought the world’s top
speakers and participants called for a socially just
transition. We also heard, for the first time, how
the Belgian EU presidency team offered a full
day’s programme including site visits to circular
circularity experts to Brussels, Belgium. The the circular transition poses certain risks – but also economy companies in Brussels, Flanders and
forum is one of the most important global circular opportunities – for global peacebuilding efforts. Wallonia.
economy events and reminded decision-makers
that the circular economy must stay on the The forum gathered circular economy On 15 and 16 April, altogether 160 speakers
regulatory agenda in this super year of political professionals to collaborate and hear the latest from around the world shared their insights
elections. circularity news. Some of the topics discussed and experience across 20 sessions guided by
during the forum included finance, the built the latest scientific evidence. Between the main
Highlighting solutions to tackle our societies’ environment and a bioeconomy. WCEF2024 event sessions, our partners hosted 11 workshops
over-dependence on natural resources, the forum focused on how to turn ideas into concrete actions, and 42 organisations shared their solutions at
emphasised the circular economy as a key source drawing inspiration from circular businesses as the WCEF2024 expo. And on 17 and 18 April,
of future well-being and the premier post-fossil well as regional and local examples. our collaborators hosted a total of 55 accelerator
fuel investment frontier. Overconsumption in sessions delving deeper into the daily work in
high-income economies was thoroughly explored, As a new element, this year’s edition provided Brussels and online.
as thus far development of well-being has been partner-led workshops that dived deeper into the
strongly based on the ever-growing use of virgin forum themes and gave an opportunity for the WCEF2024 gathered 1,531 people in Brussels
natural resources. A strong focus on circularity is participants to contribute hands-on. Workshops and gained more than 9,800 views online.
now needed, as the foundations of well-being are were “sold out” fast, showing how eager people Attendees from 168 countries participated in the
eroding. are to roll up their sleeves and get from visions to main event.
actions.
Throughout the programme, the speakers The World Circular Economy Forum 2024 was
reminded the audience that a circular economy As the forum was held in the EU capital Brussels, organised by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra,
can only be achieved through global collaboration, WCEF2024 joined forces with the European the International Resource Panel (IRP) and Circle
harmonised policies and standards, streamlined Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference Economy Foundation, in collaboration with 22
financing instruments and by supporting 2024, which brought to the forum a dedicated international partners, 42 expo stand hosts and a
frontrunner businesses. Louder than ever, more track showcasing Europe’s progress. In addition, plenitude of international collaborators.

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RESULTS
Results from WCEF2024
Several reports, tools and calls to action were
WBCSD published Circular Transition Indicators
(CTI) with sector guidance for electronic devices.
Circular Buildings Coalition published a
report “Towards a circular economy in the built
environment”.
launched at the forum. Most notable were the The Coordination Group of the European
major partnerships to advance circularity globally, Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform OECD launched a Policy Paper “Extended
with the European Commission in a key role. (ECESP) published a Circular Economy Joint Producer Responsibility: Basic facts and key
Some highlights include: Declaration 2024. principles”.

The European Commission announced CSTEP published a White Paper “Growing the Nordic Circular Hotspot launched a White
55-million-euro investments in two initiatives circular bioeconomy”, with a focus on the Global Paper “Nordic Circular Policies and Regulations”.
aimed at advancing circularity globally: South.
• €15M for a new EU Circular Economy Resource OECD published two reports featuring Circular
Centre, designed with Sitra, the Belgian Yunus Environment Hub published a new Cities and Regions Initiative’s fellow cities and
development agency Enabel and the Finnish course “CirculaRise” to link environmental and regions: the Strasbourg Metropole Report and
Ministry for Foreign Affairs. social impact through circular economy and just Zuid Holland Report.
• €40M over five years to SWITCH to Circular transition strategies.
Economy in East and Southern Africa The EIB launched new resources and announced
programme. ICCE published a Manifesto of the Global South the continuation of the Circular City Centre - C3
Centre on Circular Economy, hosted by India and programme with EU advisory support to help
Multilateral Development Banks (WB, ADB, supported by partners. cities in their circular economy transition.
EIB and EBRD) published their shared vision for a
circular economy. Consumers International published a study Holland Circular Hotspot shared inspiring best
on motivations. practices.
Sitra published a list of Europe’s top 30 circular
solutions for nature and a handbook for businesses ICLEI published the “Circular Cities Declaration Sitra shared experiences from piloting digital
“Circular solutions for nature”. Report 2024”. product passports.

3
 “
Global Alliance on Circular Economy and UNIDO and Chatham House showed initial
Resource Efficiency (GACERE) launched a results of their 1st study on National Circular
policy brief ”Circular Design of Plastic Products”. Economy Roadmaps.
“The transition to a circular
UNECE shared their tools for making products EMF will include feedback received during the
traceable via block chain. forum on the final version of their upcoming economy is not happening fast
report “Building prosperity: unlocking the enough. We need to implement
The EU presented results from the ORIENTING potential of a nature-positive, circular economy for
project including a toolbox for operationalising Europe” due for publication this summer.
policies that genuinely extend
life cycle sustainability assessments. The toolbox is the lifecycles of products and
aimed to help organisations in decision-making on Yunus Environment Hub shared initial findings adopt business models that
their path toward a circular economy. from the upcoming report “Just transition in
waste management and circular economy” increase utilisation rates and
The Belgian EU presidency team shared their commissioned by GIZ GmbH. recover critical raw materials.”
reports and presentations on systemic innovation,
procuring change, repair and manufacturing, reuse Zero Waste Scotland will produce a follow-
of plastics, information flows, circular hubs, the up report to summarise the discussions from ATTE
JÄÄSKELÄINEN
circular batteries industry and the circular built four roundtables on governance, enabling policy, President of the Finnish
environment. capacity building and finance. The report will Innovation Fund Sitra
also showcase how cities around the world are
The EU shared their commitments to actions overcoming challenges and driving the circular
promoting a circular economy transition, economy.
including a map of EU actions contributing to the
implementation of the African Union Circular The Circular Economy Coalition validated at
Economy Action Plan. the forum their “Circularity4All Food & Feed First
Hierarchy” aimed to support a communication of
The forum also offered sneak peeks to upcoming priorities in the Global North and South.
reports that will be released shortly:

4
 Historically, efforts to limit the negative impacts

“
Latest science proves need for
urgent action of linear economic activities have been neither
quickly implemented nor adequate in scope. Both
This year, the forum’s programme was strongly climate crisis and biodiversity loss are increasing
based on the latest economic research and each year. However, the good news that GRO2024
environmental science. The International Resource delivers is that well-planned and implemented “We need governments
policy actions can still grow our economies and
Panel released their flagship report Global
resources outlook 2024 (GRO2024) just in time improve our well-being while reducing negative and policymakers to
for WCEF2024. Similarly, the Circle Economy environmental impacts. For example, resource create capability and
efficiency improvements can cut global natural
Foundation’s newest Circularity gap report 2024
(CGR2024) came out in January. Both studies resources use by two-thirds compared to the demand with funding,
detail how the world currently produces and uses current trend. policies and frameworks
resources, as well as the advances made to turn our
economic systems from linear to circular. The CGR2024, on the other hand, offers practical like the Critical Raw
guidance on how to accelerate the circular Materials Act.”
GRO2024 states that the most resource-intensive transition by unlocking financing, setting bold
sectors are the built environment and mobility, policies and re-skilling people for the circular
economy. Importantly, it highlights that economies VEERLE
followed by the food and energy systems. Together, SLENDERS
these four systems account for 90% of global at different stages of development need to apply Executive Vice President,
resource demand. The uncomfortable fact is different types of circular actions. Affluent Recycling, Umicore

that wealthy countries have contributed to and countries with high consumption must focus
benefitted most from this resource use, often at the on reducing their material and environmental
expense of poorer but material-richer countries. footprints. Lower-income countries still struggle to
The new report invites us to rethink what it provide for people’s basic needs and must therefore
means to live sufficiently in all economies and to use more materials to improve the standard of
make decisions that benefit the well-being of all – living.
including future generations.

5
 “
To emphasise what these important messages crucial to collaborate in creating better policies
mean in practice, the WCEF2024 programme and regulations for re-using recycled materials in
focused especially on the most resource- products, especially in the Global South. SMEs,
guzzling provisioning systems, which are local actors and citizens must also be involved. The
sets of related elements that work together to need for multinational cooperation, international “No one can predict the
transform resources to satisfy human needs. The
discussions were targeted around governance,
standards and harmonised regulations was
emphasised.
future, but that does not
finance, business and employment opportunities. stop us from impacting
Unblocking barriers across these key leverage The European Union wants to thrive in the
points will help us optimise the delivery of human circular economy, but can’t do this without global it. It is possible to make
and planetary health in a circular and resource
efficient way.
partners. Strengthening bilateral and multilateral
cooperation within the circular economy is
circularity the next
essential to lead the global transition. To scale megatrend.”
Doing it together: solutions, all relevant parties need to gather
Global collaboration and around the same table.
partnerships JUTTA URPILAINEN
Collaboration among policymakers, financial European Commissioner for
Throughout the forum, experts emphasised institutions and industries is a necessity. From International Partnerships

that the transition towards circularity is a business and government representatives alike,
global necessity. The circular economy exceeds we heard a common thread: the importance of
geographic boundaries, demanding collaboration information exchange and cooperation, breaking
among nations, organisations and stakeholders down the political and financial barriers to the
from diverse backgrounds. circular economy, ensuring that the rules of the
game are the same, and creating a system where
Change does not happen alone. A theme that the circular economy becomes the norm.
emerged continuously during the forum was the
need for partnerships to succeed in transitioning The forum gave a new angle to looking at global
to more circular lifestyles. For governments, it is collaboration: it is also about promoting peace.

6
 “
A circular economy that keeps products and local capacities and learn from their expertise.
materials in use and reduces the demand for
primary materials is an important solution to Actions taken by the Global
South
reduce and pre-empt conflicts over resources.
“The energy
For the first time, WCEF2024 hosted a plenary
examining how to navigate the circular transition
Countries in the Global North have made
significant strides in implementing the circular transitions cannot be
in an increasingly unstable world, marked by both
physical conflicts and conflicts of interest between
economy while countries in the Global South
are primarily in the initial stages of drafting
Global North against
highly developed and industrialised nations
(generally, the “Global North”) and countries
their first circular economy strategies. Despite
these differences, the advancement of circularity
the Global South,
looking to achieve similar growth trajectories
(the “Global South”). Experts at several sessions
on a global scale necessitates cooperation and
understanding among all countries. An example
but a collaboration
highlighted the fact that resource-rich Global
South countries are at a disadvantage in the
of such collaboration is the upcoming European
Union Circular Economy Resource Centre, which
between all of us.”
global production value chains. Today, high-value demonstrates how support can be extended across
minerals are still exported from the Global South borders. EDDY KIONI
for the green energy transition in the North. Chief Executive Officer, Buenassa
Alongside a strong European perspective,
Suggestions to improve this unfair situation WCEF2024 also presented many advances
include finding ways to increase value addition made by the Global South. Genuine meaningful
at the local level. This can be processing raw global collaboration has a major role to play. For
materials and creating high-value products example, a shared vision on circularity between
locally, instead of processing and manufacturing the European Union and China has fostered a
in the Global North, as well as ensuring that collaborative framework aimed at knowledge
waste streams are upcycled. To reach a fair and exchange and policy alignment to accelerate the
sustainable circular world, developed economies transition towards sustainable, resource-efficient
need to realise the potential of the Global South’s economies. Both recognise the urgency of making

7
 “
a difference and the partnership is working to underway in South Africa where the transition
tackle plastic pollution and promote circular to low-carbon and climate-resilient communities
economy practices globally. For instance, business has been raised in the middle of their national
representatives urged the governments to follow development plan, with initiatives focusing on
Europe’s example and allow the use of recycled mining, municipal waste management and keeping
“You shouldn’t wait
PET for food contact materials. materials in the value chain. In Africa, businesses until everything is clear
help to promote the circular economy in their
An increasing number of governments in the regions. For example, Buenassa, a business in the before acting. Those that
Global South have been implementing the circular Democratic Republic of Congo, strives to conduct are acting now using
economy into their agendas. Brazil has put a more environmentally friendly mining operations,
circular economy strategy in the heart of their G20 focusing on partnerships with local suppliers and whichever framework they
presidency, and a national policy and strategy on ensuring a just energy transition. choose are going to be
the circular economy is also under development,
focusing on social, economic and ecological better positioned to be
sustainability. Benefits and limitations of a responding further down
local focus
India presented insights to their approach to the line, when regulation
circularity and the bioeconomy. Around 50% of The transition to a circular economy needs action
municipal waste is organic, and waste generation on all levels of society: local, regional, national and
starts coming in.”
is expected to double by 2030. The government global. While the World Circular Economy Forum
has taken an active role, setting strict targets for strives to foster this global shift, the discussions THOMAS MADDOX
renewable energy, encouraging the production this year reiterated the significance of smaller, Director, Nature, CDP
of biogas and other high-value products, and grassroots activities alongside the attainment of
replacing fossil fuels in cooking. Indian decision- global accords through intricate negotiations.
makers are working to empower women and
people in rural areas. Testimonies from both the private and public
sectors underscored the urgency of individual
Policies towards a circular transition are also entities to adopt circular and nature-preserving

8
 DOUBLE TROUBLE

practices, even in the absence of ideal overarching identified as challenging, particularly in meeting The European Circular
conditions. Notably in the private sector, it is criteria such as innovation. Economy Stakeholder
acknowledged that while small businesses may Conference 2024
lack the resources to meet sustainability standards, • Public procurement instruments are perceived Just as collaboration is key to implementing the circular
their agility allows for swift operational changes. as complex by the private sector and local economy, it is also key to how the World Circular Economy
Forum is created. This year, WCEF joined forces with the
Successful SMEs have the potential to catalyse municipalities, which hinders support for local European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference
broader change. Similarly, in the public sector, economies. 2024 (ECESC) and dedicated four parallel sessions and
one workshop to showcase Europe’s circular economy
cities—representing smaller local regions—possess development. The European sessions highlighted the
a closer connection to their inhabitants and the • Collaboration between public and private following:
environment, enabling a deeper understanding of sectors is essential in developing cities that meet 1. EU legislative efforts need to be implemented on the
the needs of both citizens and businesses. the communities’ needs and embody circular ground.
ambitions. 2. The circular economy has the potential to increase
Cities and regions are at different stages of competitiveness while protecting the environment.
development, grappling with the need for support • Incorporating local knowledge is paramount 3. To ensure compliance and a just transition, it is important
as they navigate the significant, transformative in the planning process, as it brings a wealth of for all parties to communicate: policymakers, businesses
and local structures.
changes. Focal points to foster development context-specific insights that are crucial for the
include the following: success of circular economy initiatives. 4. European businesses must evolve to meet new regulations,
but this also spurs global change and improved
international value chains.
• Investment in these changes is becoming • Coordinating efforts across different areas
increasingly vital for the future, and it is remains a challenge, highlighting the 5. Multinational cooperation should address how countries
are on different stages of the transition.
imperative that all sectors foster circularity at importance of understanding governance at
various levels. multiple levels: national, regional and local. 6. We must envision alternative futures, have frank
conversations on systemic flaws and include youth in the
debate and decision-making.
• Upcoming EU legislation is expected to bring The interplay between global decisions and local
changes, impacting suppliers based on their governance was a key discussion point at the
geographic location and local legal frameworks. forum. Urban planning and construction were
identified as pivotal sectors, aligning with the
• Local level access to EU projects has been GRO2024 report. The built environment was

9
 “
promoted as a platform to demonstrate how together to achieve a sustainable society.
nature-positive, circular strategies can yield
economic benefits for individuals, businesses and Recently, public procurement and policy have
society. been underscored as pivotal elements in fostering
circular business models. The influence of “Defining quantified
Experts at WCEF2024 cautioned that focusing legislation on business operations is significant,
solely on regional efforts is insufficient for especially within the framework of the European
science-based targets
achieving global circularity across the sectors. Union’s environmental policies. There was a enhance predictability,
Jonas Dreger of Apple highlighted the consensus that ambition must remain high in
limitations of viewing the circular economy setting international standards and tightening generates a common
as a national or regional concept, pointing regulations. investment focus and
out that such an approach would not leverage
economies of scale. The discussions advocated for This approach should be complemented by a can make markets shift.”
a broader system that facilitates the movement of supportive framework for SMEs to facilitate a fair
materials across sectors, business boundaries and transition towards sustainability. It was argued
international borders for recycling and reuse. This at WCEF2024 that there is a strong business case ZAKIA KHATTABI
Minister of Climate, Environment,
shift raises questions about multinational trade for circular SMEs on the African continent. Small Sustainable Development and
agreements and the politics of national resource businesses and startups play a key role in showing Green Deal, Belgium
security. the way, and that’s why early phase funding and
investments are needed. Only then we can scale up
Policy and profit: friends or innovations.
enemies?
Policymakers should focus on creating more
Private companies play a critical role in the coherent and impactful standards, regulations and
circular transition, but their goals do not always taxation, such as higher waste taxes, to support
align with public policy. Many experts at the circular practices. Many policies focus on supply,
forum explored this relationship between the so this should be complemented with demand side
public and private sectors and how they must work policies including resource efficiency.

10
 “
Experts on European policy at the forum stressed The Global E-waste Monitor 2024, released just
that the emerging legislation aimed at normalising before WCEF2024, highlights the critical role
sustainable products within the EU is not intended of legislation in improving e-waste recycling
to act as a trade barrier against producers rates. According to the report, approximately 62
and exporters from other countries. On the million tonnes of e-waste are generated annually, “We need really frank
contrary, these laws are expected to yield positive with a recycling rate of only 22%. Experts at the conversations about
environmental and economic impacts in non- forum acknowledged the associated challenges,
EU countries by promoting sustainable practices. particularly the restrictions on cross-border where things are going
Overall, the upcoming EU legislations were viewed
positively, with a general support for the direction
movements. The 2025 Basel e-waste amendment
is anticipated to be a significant step in addressing
horribly wrong and where
Europe is taking. While the legal framework was these challenges. some of that discomfort
recognised as a vital factor, it can either facilitate
or impede sustainability efforts among suppliers. Keeping youth engaged and
is.”
involved
Many businesspeople at the forum complained HANNAH BALLARD
of confusing and restrictive policies and called It is imperative to have young people meaningfully Director, Sustainable Change Studio
for the harmonisation of standards, metrics involved in the circular transition, even though it
and definitions. For instance, this would allow is challenging. Young people tend to be in junior
meaningful comparisons in sustainability positions professionally and may not have the
reporting and support actions to improve financial resources to participate in events such as
performance. Additionally, there is a demand WCEF. Organisations must invest in facilitating
for an environmental, social and governance youth participation, fostering diverse perspectives
(ESG) standard that aligns with existing policy at forums and decision-making tables.
frameworks. Standards that are scalable and
applicable to both large corporations and Unlike at WCEF2023, where young voices
SMEs are deemed essential. The social aspect, resonated throughout the forum, this time their
often qualitative, needs to be measurable and presence on stage was notably scarce. Engaging
transparent. youth is not just a desirable goal—it is essential for

11
 “
our collective future. Bringing youth voices into All need to develop circular
the discussion and offering meaningful ways to skills
participate are keys to ensuring our youth have the
skills to navigate towards a truly circular future. The transition towards a circular economy must
be fair and just, ensuring that the resulting jobs
“Investors are not very
During the WCEF2024, the questions from are not only plentiful but also of high quality. trained on evaluating
youth delegates from around the world injected Experts at the forum brought up that we cannot
life into the panel discussions and brought fresh afford to view the well-being of individuals circular economy
perspectives to the dialogues. Their questions as an afterthought once policy decisions have
forced the panellists to think outside box and been made; rather, it must be a foundational
projects and consider
to re-evaluate their assumptions. The questions consideration. In Rwanda, the intentional that they have more risks
addressed youth participation, but also their placement of women and youth at the centre of
concerns about the future of our planet, the circular economy plan exemplifies a strategic and lower returns.”
biodiversity loss, material depletion and a fair approach towards inclusive development.
transition. Indigenous peoples also bring valuable insight,
philosophies, knowledge and skills. MILAGROS RIVAS SAIZ
Managing Director, IDB Invest
For instance, Mai, a journalist from Thailand,
challenged an expert panel with a concrete The bioeconomy plays a major
question: in Bangkok, 80 million plastic bags are role in circularity
used per day. Which corrective action would you
prioritise: changing street food vendors’ behaviour A circular bioeconomy will be a theme of
of offering excess bags or changing the customers’ WCEF2025 in Brazil, but it was also a recurring
acceptance and demand – and how? Not an easy topic this year. Experts at the forum explained a
question, but certainly one to provoke thoughts. bioeconomy is not by nature circular, so circular
thinking needs to be applied to the concept. That,
however, requires effort.

12
 According to the Circularity Gap Report 2023 on
Latin America, one third of biological resources
from the region are exported. Inequalities could
be reduced by adding more value locally, such as
by creating high value products from extracted
biomass and ensuring that side streams are
fosters creativity and resilience. Great examples
were presented from Serbia at the forum in
sessions and at the expo. For instance, biochar
can improve agricultural yields and reduce
carbon emissions without harmful chemicals. It
is a charcoal-like substance made from burning
“
“The current utilisation of
seafood is highly inefficient.
upcycled. biomass such as agricultural and forestry waste. It This needs to change with the
neutralises soil acidity and improves soil porosity, global demand for seafood
By leveraging local resources and innovative encouraging a healthy microbial ecosystem as well
technologies, Latin American nations are not as the retention of water and nutrients. set to double by 2050. We
only addressing waste management challenges acknowledge the risks linked to
but also creating economic opportunities and Another practical example is to use black soldier
sustainability and biodiversity.”
enhancing sustainability. For instance, in recent fly larvae. With one tonne of clean bio-waste, you
years Guatemala has made significant strides in can produce 200kg of fresh larvae as a protein
advancing their circular economy agenda, focusing source for animal feed and get 400kg of nutritious MICHAELA LINDSTRÖM
Managing Director, Hailia Nordic Oy
on waste management and emissions reduction. fertiliser to improve the soil quality.
However, there is a notable absence of regulations
to guide this transition. It was encouraging to Regenerative food production was seen as a key to
hear that a collaboration between university, circular food systems. It can be realised through
government and municipalities have provided practices that bring positive outcomes for nature
results in finding a common thread regarding on agricultural land, and through the preservation
circularity in the country. of existing ecosystems.

The bioeconomy also inspires innovative circular The potential for growth in the bioeconomy
solutions that maximise resource efficiency, sector is immense but requires North-South
minimise waste and promote regenerative collaboration, investments, encouraging
practices. From sustainable agriculture to regulations and a shift in societal attitudes.
biomimicry-inspired designs, the bioeconomy

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 Mindset shift and futures
thinking
In the history of the forum, we have heard
repeatedly about the problems of the linear
economy and the business-as-usual mentality.
reinforce the positive changes already happening
around them, to challenge assumptions that keep
us locked in comfortable customs, and to tell new
stories about the future. Circularity professionals
may already be too familiar with the phrase “you
cannot change what you don’t measure”, but isn’t
“
“Focus on the human
dimension and the social
Now, science has shown us the path we need to it also true that we cannot achieve what we don’t
follow, and we need to remove roadblocks and imagine? dimension, because that
capitalise on opportunities. Easier said than done
though: how do we make the shift from passive Next stop: São Paulo, Brazil
is where you can mobilise
proponents of circularity into active change support from people.”
makers? In 2025, the forum will take up a whole new
region: Latin America! The continent will host
One way to start is to get familiar with futures both climate and biodiversity negotiations in 2024 HANS BRUYNINCKX
thinking. In the week leading up to the forum, and 2025, offering an opportunity to strengthen Member, International Resource Panel

more than 100 WCEF participants joined a futures global collaboration and get businesses onboard to
simulation. They got to experience one possible build a circular economy future.
future: a national circular lifestyle experiment in
2027, which reduced each person’s possessions to WCEF2025 will be hosted jointly by the Federation
100 items with the aim of living a more service- of the Industries of the state of São Paulo (FIESP),
based lifestyle. They learned of the challenges of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion
The World Circular Economy Forum brings
such a lifestyle but realised fewer things could lead Agency (Apex-Brasil), the Brazilian National together business leaders, policymakers, experts,
to a higher quality of life. Confederation of Industry (CNI) and the Finnish civil society, and others to explore the world’s best
circular economy solutions. It examines how to
Innovation Fund Sitra, the initiator of the forum. accelerate the circular transition while pursuing
The closing plenary also invited participants to See you there! the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals. The WCEF is a global initiative of Sitra, the
Finnish Innovation Fund.

14
PROGRAMME
EVENT PROGRAMME

15
KEY FIGURES
KEY FIGURES: BY 30 APRIL 2024

DAYS PARTICIPANTS ON DAYS 1+2 COUNTRIES BY REGISTRATION

2+2 1.5 K 168

Days 3+4 were

+
Accelerator Sessions
by partners in Brussels

SESSIONS

31+55 9.8 K
GENDER BALANCE

online views
57.7% female
39.9% male
ACCELERATOR REGISTRANTS* 0.2% gender diverse
2K
4 Plenaries 55 Accelerators
16 Parallels 2.2% prefer not to say
11 Workshops
on days 3+4

SPE AKERS YOUTH REPS BY REGISTRATION REGISTRATIONS BY CONTINENT

160 32%
45.0% female ​
54.4%
0%
male​
gender diverse​
5 785 Europe
0.6% prefer not to say​ < 35 years 1 144 Asia
SIDE EVENTS BUSINESS REPS BY REGISTRATION 774 Africa

40 35%
603 North America

from January
813 South America
168 Australia/Oceania

16 Sources: Lyyti, Prospectum, Youtube and WCEF partners

0 Antarctica
KEY FIGURES
KEY FIGURES: GEOGRAPHIC BY REGISTRATION*

168 6.5% 62.3%

COUNTRIES BY REGISTRATION REGISTRATIONS BY CONTINENT

NORTH EUROPE
AMERICA

5 785
TOP -10 COUNTRIES

603
ASIA

12.3%
1 144
Belgium 1 140
Finland 756 AFRICA

8.3%
SOUTH
Germany 625 AMERICA**
UK 532
8.8% 774
813
Netherlands 487 AUSTRALIA
AND OCE ANIA

1.8%
Spain 351

168
France 314
Canada 298 STUDIOS

7
USA 289 Baltics,
Canada, Finland,
Italy 278 The Netherlands,
Serbia x 2 and ANTARCTICA

0.0%
Vietnam.

* number of registrants: 1 919 in Brussels + 7 368 online

total number of registrants: 9 287
17 + 695 in WCEF Studios
+ 2 023 in Accelerator Sessions on days 3+4 ** including Central America and the Caribbean
KEY FIGURES
KEY FIGURES: REGISTRANTS BY SECTOR

9 287
TOTAL REGISTRANTS

On site + online

BUSINESS PUBLIC SECTOR RESE ARCH / ACADEMIA NGO / ASSOCIATION

35%
3 216
18%
1 663
16%
1 490
15%
1 412

OTHER INVESTOR / FINANC E THINK TANK MEDIA

10%
904
3%
231
3%
268
1%
103

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KEY FIGURES
KEY FIGURES: SOCIAL MEDIA #WCEF2024*

162 K
LINKEDIN RE ACH X (TWITTER ) RE ACH X (TWITTER ) IMPRESSIONS

13.5 M 48.8 M
15 Nov 2023–30 April 2024
PAID IMPRESSIONS

158 K INSTAGRAM

STORIES RE ACH FEED RE ACH

7.2 K 3.4 K
ENGAGEMENT RATE

9.3% >5% is
excellent
Reposting partner content 2 posts

by @WCEF *In 2024 the focus

of social media

Dec 2023–April 2024 by @SitraFund

activity shifted to
LinkedIn.

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ORGANISERS
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