P4 Catalysts of change: Youth leadership and innovations in the circular economy​

P4 Catalysts of change: Youth leadership and innovations in the circular economy​

16 Sep 2026 at 16:00–17:00 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Plenary
Focus: Business, Education, People, System change, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia / Australasia / Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation and infrastructure Partnerships for the goals Quality education

This session explores how young leaders are driving behavioural and systemic change by developing innovative circular solutions, challenging conventional approaches and building the businesses of the future. As the circular economy creates new opportunities for entrepreneurship, skills development and employment, empowering the next generation will be essential for accelerating the global transition. The session will showcase inspiring youth-led innovations, success stories and international collaboration, demonstrating how young people are shaping a more circular, resilient and inclusive economy.

Organiser(s): Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund

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PS13 Skills and reskilling for circular industries​

PS13 Skills and reskilling for circular industries​

16 Sep 2026 at 14:30–15:30 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: People
Focus: Education, Employment, People, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia / Australasia / Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation and infrastructure Partnerships for the goals Quality education Responsible consumption and production

The session discusses the critical need for circular economy skills in emerging economies, particularly India, to address resource efficiency and job creation. It highlights the risks of increasing resource extraction and e-waste, alongside the transformative potential of new skills in repair, refurbishment and circular entrepreneurship. The session aims to connect global evidence with India-specific opportunities for a just and inclusive green transition.

Organiser(s): International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, NetZero Energy Transition Association (NETRA)

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PS9 Inclusive circular economy and growth​

PS9 Inclusive circular economy and growth​

16 Sep 2026 at 11:30–12:30 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: People
Focus: Employment, People, Resilience, Waste, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Decent work and economic growth No poverty Reduced inequalities Responsible consumption and production Sustainable cities and communities

This session explores how inclusive circular economy policies, business models and partnerships can empower waste pickers and other informal workers as key agents of resource recovery, decent work and equitable economic growth while advancing a just transition to circularity.

Organiser(s): United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The Alliance of Indian Wastepickers (AIW)

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PS5 Employment potential in the circular economy​

PS5 Employment potential in the circular economy​

15 Sep 2026 at 15:00–16:00 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: People
Focus: Education, Employment, People, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia / Australasia / Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation and infrastructure Partnerships for the goals Responsible consumption and production

As circular economy strategies gain momentum, new jobs are emerging, linear economy jobs are being displaced, and existing circular economy jobs are being transformed, creating both opportunity and urgency around employment in a circular economy. This session examines how these changes are unfolding, and addresses the policies, investments and business models needed to make circular economy employment economically viable, technologically advanced and socially inclusive. It offers participants evidence-based insights into good, sustainable work in the circular economy.

Organiser(s): Circle Economy, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

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PS1 Empowering citizens for circular lifestyles (Mission LiFE)​

PS1 Empowering citizens for circular lifestyles (Mission LiFE)​

15 Sep 2026 at 12:00–13:00 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: People
Focus: Education, People, System change, Waste, Asia
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Climate action Responsible consumption and production Sustainable cities and communities

This session explores how empowering citizens to adopt circular lifestyles can accelerate the transition towards more sustainable consumption and a circular economy. As everyday choices around reuse, repair, sharing, waste segregation and recycling play a critical role in reducing resource use and waste generation, behavioural change is essential for achieving circularity at scale. The session will showcase how Mission LiFE and other initiatives are leveraging awareness campaigns, policies, digital tools and community engagement to empower citizens and foster more circular and sustainable lifestyles.

Organiser(s): International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE)

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