Circular Industry for a Sustainable Development of the Economy
Asia-Europe Environment Forum Spin-Off Conference 2022 on Circular Industry

HSF

Regarding the Agenda 2030, the ENVforum 2022 focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)12 which is to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns and on SDG 13 which aims to respond in a timely and effective manner to climate change.

The event is part of the 3-year long programme on SMEs and circularity in the food systems sector which was initiated by the ENVforum. Policymakers, researchers, businesspeople, and representatives of civil society organizations from Asia and Europe attended the ENVForum 2022 which was held as a hybrid event including panel discussions, meetings for networking and keynotes. The thematic focus was on circular economy as a strategy for decarbonisation and the role of SMEs as enablers for that. Another key point was the twin green and digital transition and the advancements in the circular industry in Asia and Europe.

HSF

Additionally, the new ENVforum report on climate change mitigation efforts in ASEM-countries with a focus on the circular economy transition was launched. HSF Vietnam funded this paper.

The ENVforum in this year has aimed at exchanging knowledge and best practices on SMEs’ contribution towards sustainable and digital transitions in the food industry sector. Moreover, an interregional network among the different participants at the event was created. Accordingly, cooperation between the various parties in the form of research, joint activities and advocacy initiatives was a main objective. Furthermore, the twin transition needs and effects of SMEs in the food industry sector were addressed.