Hereby Maximizing Value and Reducing Contamination and Other Environmental Impacts

Report

The launch of the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE) took place on 22 February 2021 as a side-event at the first segment of the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.1). The side-event was hosted by Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Ms Inger Andersen, United Nations Under Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and Mr LI Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Ministers of countries having joined GACERE and stakeholders were invited to provide their perspectives as to the Alliance’s intended role in supporting a global just transition to circular and resource efficient economies and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The agenda and biographies of speakers are annexed.

Welcome and introduction

Ms Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Environment at the European Commission, welcomed everyone and thanked for the huge interest in GACERE – with over 1 000 participants registered for the launch event. She explained the background for the establishment of GACERE, which to date counts eleven country members: Canada, Chile, Colombia, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Rwanda and South Africa. The EU and UNEP, in coordination with UNIDO, are establishing GACERE to bring together governments, relevant networks and organisations to provide a global impetus for initiatives related to a global circular economy for a more efficient and equitable use of resources aimed to achieve sustainable consumption and production.

Ms Inger Andersen, United Nations Under Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), spoke on the importance of the circular economy in advancing sustainable consumption and production – presenting UNEP’s vision on GACERE. She said that the commitment to stepping up circular economy action is key in addressing the three planetary crises that we are facing: climate change; nature and biodiversity loss; and pollution and waste. Circularity is also key in tackling unsustainable consumption and production, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and delivering on every multilateral agreement – including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement and the upcoming biodiversity framework. In addition, implementing circular economy approaches would create more jobs, stressing the importance of helping countries diversify their economies. In this manner, GACERE will be central to deliver a just transition – ensuring that everyone is aware of and deliver on the many

benefits of circularity. She underlined that the launch of GACERE could not come at a better time, ahead of important international negotiations related to climate and biodiversity this year. She thanked Commissioner Sinkevičius for inviting UNEP and UNIDO in establishing the Alliance, and extended her appreciation to the increasing number of founding member countries as well as the strategic partners that had already displayed their support GACERE. She asked everyone to use their influence at key international negotiations and to deliver on the many benefits of circularity.

Mr LI Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), spoke on the ways in which the circular economy can be a path to inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, innovation and green jobs. He highlighted that the focus of the circular economy is not only the environment, but also the economy, as it addresses the ambitions of developing countries for inclusive and sustainable industrialization, innovation and resilient infrastructure, embodied in several of the Sustainable Development Goals. By designing waste and pollution out of economic systems, circular economy transitions can mitigate climate change, stem biodiversity losses, ocean and land degradation, while enhancing the well-being of our societies. For 40 years, UNIDO has been promoting resource efficiency as a business case that simultaneously reduces production costs and prevents waste and pollution. From UNIDO’s experience, partnership, leadership, collaboration and coordination at every step, including globally, is critical to success. Transitions to circular economy can only come about if the business community, governments, and consumers learn and act together. In concert with governments, businesses can make a key contribution. He said that the circular economy provides its benefits best if its principles and practices are adopted globally - when countries and industries more advanced in circular economy can share knowledge and lessons, and countries and industries which are just starting need to understand and identify barriers and limitations and be inspired by success stories. He finished by saying that he feels a sense of hope that humanity can and will be able to sustain the planet – and UNIDO sees GACERE as a key initiative in this direction.

First Session: The circular economy contribution in achieving climate neutrality

Mr Carlos Eduardo Correa Escaf, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia said that Colombia has been a great promoter of the circular economy at regional level through the Latin-American and the Caribbean Circular Economy Coalition and thanked EU, UNEP, UNIDO for their political and technical effort in establishing GACERE. For Colombia, circular economy is the most important strategy. Colombia has a goal of becoming a leader on circular economy in Latin America. The goal entails resource efficiency for reducing energy, water, materials consumption, the recovery of ecosystems and the circular disposal of materials, thereby maximizing value and reducing contamination and other environmental impacts. In this way, Colombia can contribute to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. Minister Correa said that the pandemic has made it clear that we need to reset our political as well as our social, financial and environmental systems. He stressed that GACERE is a favourable setting from which to launch a global circular economy, leaving behind a linear one, thereby creating economic

growth. This is why Colombia has decided to become part of GACERE. Finally, he stressed the need to form synergies in order to promote circularity and resource efficiency, along with the need to recognise the natural capabilities of each country.

Mr Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of the Environment of Japan, highlighted the trends and actions taken in Japan to achieve carbon neutrality through circular economy approaches. Minister Koizumi said that climate change and the pandemic clearly show that we need to redesign our socio-economic system to become more sustainable and resilient. Japan is accelerating actions to decarbonize the socio-economic system by promoting circular economy and a decentralised society. Japan will submit a bill on plastics to, among others, encourage eco-design to promote the circularity of plastics. The government will also launch a partnership on circular economy with Japan’s Business Federation (Keidanren) to advance public-private partnerships. Japanese companies are making home appliances that are easy to recycle, facilitated by Japan’s recycling law. Toyota is implementing a global car-to-car recycle project with ultimate goal to create closed loops for their products. For these reasons, resource productivity in Japan is among the highest in developed countries. Still, we will push our efforts to advance a circular economy. Japan will also host a Roundtable on Circular Economy in two weeks’ time in cooperation with the World Economic Forum. Minister Koizumi said that he sincerely hopes that GACERE can make a difference in redesigning our social-economic systems beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Gabriel Quijandría Acosta, Minister of Environment of Peru said that Peru is already member of the steering committee of the Latin-American and the Caribbean Circular Economy Coalition. The Minister was calling in from Porto Maldonado, which had been affected by major flooding over the past week not seen since the 1960s. The Minister took this as a clear sign of the need to act. He said that there is great potential for cooperation between the Latin- American Circular Economy Coalition and GACERE, which he said could focus on three areas: firstly, circular economy should be part of a comprehensive management of climate change. This includes the need for sustainable consumption and production, energy efficiency, resilience and primary responsibility, and actions should be clearly linked to circular economy. For this reason, countries must update their NDCs, develop national adaptation plans and develop long-term strategies for low carbon development which include circularity. Secondly, Peru views circularity as a cross-cutting approach which should not only refer to the industrial sector, related to design or use of products. Circularity should also focus on education and consumer behaviour change. Therefore, GACERE should also work on changing habits and developing new approaches. Finally, circularity should be part of the discussion and the implementation of the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. He said there is a need to think with a sense of urgency on sustainable development, respecting the boundaries of nature and leaving no one behind. The circular economy will allow countries to decouple economic growth from the consumption of final resources, increase energy efficiency, reduce the consumption of raw materials, and reuse and recycle the waste generated – providing benefits to society. Peru plans to become a climate-neutral society by 2050 and has identified circular economy as a key approach to reaching this goal.

Ms Patricia Fuller, Ambassador for Climate Change of Canada highlighted that Canada will host the next World Circular Economy Forum in September (WCEF2021). She said that 2021 is a key year for raising climate ambition, and that the circular economy can be an important part in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement by mitigating emissions through reduced waste. In the same way, it can encourage business innovation and improve the economy. To seize this opportunity, Canada will work to promote dialogue among all key actors: governments, multilateral organisations, business leaders and civil society. Therefore, Canada is also pleased to be part of GACERE. Ahead of WCEF2021 on 13–15 September, which will build on the outcomes of the WCEF+Climate on 15-16 April, Canada’s goal is to bring together business leaders, policy makers and experts to explore game-changing actions and systemic changes needed to promote the circular economy ahead of COP26. WCEF2021 will demonstrate the value of circular economy approaches for translating climate ambition into action.

Ms Teresa Oberhauser, Focal Point and Global Coordinator, UN Environment Programme Major Group for Children and Youth said that the circular economy is not simply about recycling – it is about a paradigm shift towards a new relationship to material consumption and product design. The circular economy requires new business models, new ways of calculating value and approaching investments. It is currently financially discouraging to use recycled materials and invest in business models and products with a long lifetime. This paradigm shift requires a systemic approach with all stakeholders involved. A potential that the GACERE can actually develop if met by innovative legislation and clear expectations for producers. Children and youth are among the stakeholders that are suffering most from bad waste management, unsustainable sourcing practices and the emissions related to the linear economy. On the other hand, children and youth are ready to be a crucial force toward the shift towards a circular economy. The role of children and youth is not just in promoting circular economy, but also as implementers. National and local youth councils have been equal partners in processes to abolish single use plastics all over the world. Ms Oberhauser encouraged GACERE members to create a structural space for youth. “Nothing about us without us” – she stressed, pointing to the enormous effects that the success or failure of circularity will have on youth around the world.

Follow-up question: What message should GACERE push for at COP26?

Ms Inger Andersen highlighted that circularity is not just about recycling, but a total overhaul of the production and consumption system. It will need financiers, technical experts, NGOs as well as a broad all-of-society engagement. For COP26, it is about including circularity into the NDCs with very specific time-marked action. She stressed that the potential for circularity is enormous, that it requires an element of global justice and the understanding that poorer countries are often exporters of raw materials.

Mr LI Yong emphasized three points ahead of COP26: first, the circular economy is not a single issue – like recycling, reuse – but it is a systematic approach with strong linkage with climate change. Secondly, everyone needs to play their role. Circularity should be approached from different angles – those of governments, business, private people, NGOs, UN organisations. If

we all play our roles, we can move together with force. Thirdly, partnerships are very important in order to move ahead with momentum and to achieve concrete action.

Minister Koizumi highlighted that circular economy is a true game changer. That is why Japan is accelerating the transition to a circular economy, but also the transition to a decarbonized, decentralized society under the name of redesign. He hoped that GACERE members could share their lessons on redesigning their socio-economic system.

Minister Quijandría Acosta said that governments need to stress the just transition element. The global community must not forget that the burden of a green transition cannot be transferred to poor people. Technology transfer and finance should be in the centre of the discussions between GACERE and the regional networks promoting the circular economy. COP26 is the space for these initiatives to collaborate and design a plan of action.

Second Session: Achieving sustainable consumption and production and inclusive and sustainable industrialisation through circular approaches

Mr Sveinung Rotevatn, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Norway said in a recorded video-message 1 that he welcomed the leadership by EU, UNEP and UNIDO in launching GACERE. He highlighted the importance of resource efficiency in strengthening action for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. GACERE represents an important opportunity to bring together actors to promote the circular economy at the global level. The Minister said that the transition to circularity requires a systematic change in all sectors of society, and that it will provide new business opportunities and new jobs. To succeed, the dialogue between policymakers, civil society and business actors must be strengthened in order to promote joint solutions. The United Nations Environment Assembly is a central meeting place to facilitate this dialogue between all stakeholders. Reflecting on how governments and stakeholders can promote and facilitate more circular product design, he highlighted the importance of extended producer responsibility schemes that hold producers responsible, not only for the product at the end of life, but also for circularity. He hopes that GACERE will provide solutions in a global context and support the actors that want to be ambitious. He said that everyone is part of the global plastics economy, and that the current rate of plastics recycling is less than 10%. It is a major problem that current structures do not promote the use of secondary raw materials. He highlighted the need for a global agreement on plastic pollution that would provide a market for secondary raw materials to prevent plastics pollution. He said that Norway looks forward to being part of GACERE.

Mr Javier Naranjo, acting Minister of Environment of Chile said that he was very pleased to be part of the launch of GACERE to foster the transition to a world without waste. He highlighted three principles of the circular economy: firstly, designing out waste and pollution; secondly, keeping products and materials in use; and thirdly, regenerating natural systems. Circular economy is the economy of the future. The one that will allow us to protect our

1 Available at https://ec.europa.eu/environment/international_issues/gacere.html. 6

climate, our ecosystems and our social well-being. Chile has been a pioneer in introducing a circular economy component in their NDC. Chile’s vision for circularity is to create value for a truly sustainable development. Chile has developed a national roadmap to foster circularity and to transition to a zero-waste economy. The roadmap presents a circularity goal of 75% of the home-recycling rate and is in line with Chile’s extended producer responsibility law. Chile is also moving forward with ambitious legislation to ban single-use plastics. The acting Minister said that the transition towards a circular economy cannot be done without innovation. Therefore, Chile has launched partnerships to scale up circular innovation. Through the Latin-American Circular Economy Coalition, countries are also working closely together to reduce dumpsites, promote sustainable consumption and production and reducing plastic waste. He said that GACERE represents an opportunity to accelerate these commitments at the global level and to move towards a cleaner, healthier world.

Mr Muhammad Abubakar, Federal Minister for Environment of Nigeria was unable to take part in the launch event but recorded a video-message2 in which he highlights the urgency to make particular efforts to safeguard and ensure the wellbeing of the environment. An economy which extracts resources at increasing rates without consideration for the environment in which it operates or its natural planetary boundaries cannot continue indefinitely without repercussions. In a world of soon to be nine billion consumers who are actively manufacturing and consuming goods, such a linear economic approach of making, using and disposing materials will hamper sustainable development and undermine economies. A sustainable development pattern is needed and the concept of circular economy promises a way ahead. On this note, Nigeria has aligned itself with circular economy principles through regulations and programmes to improve circularity. In addition, Nigeria has been on the front line when it comes to forging partnerships and alliances. The value of GACERE lies in bringing ambitious global actors together for a collective commitments towards a global circular economy agenda. It is through these types of collaborations that we can efficiently and effectively find more sustainable alternatives to unsustainable practices. Nigeria is happy to be one of the first members of GACERE and invites all countries to join for a sustainable future.

Ms Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment of Rwanda shared some of Rwanda’s experiences in advancing the circular economy, and why they think that GACERE will be critical in achieving key environment and climate goals. In November 2017, Rwanda became a founding member of the African Circular Economy Alliance. This regional alliance is working to scale up circular economy initiatives, working with partners across the world and the African continent. At the heart of all circular economy initiatives is the concept of mutual benefit. In a truly circular economy, everyone benefits, primary producers, consumers, and the natural environment. It is in this understanding that the government of Rwanda has invested in the circular economy. Today, Rwanda considers circularity a key tool to achieve rapid

2 Available at https://ec.europa.eu/environment/international_issues/gacere.html. 7

economic transformation that fosters growth and protects the environment. Rwanda has integrated circularity into national laws, strategies and policies. For example, Rwanda created a policy framework to enable investment in e-waste recycling. Rwanda has incorporated the principles of circular economy in the national environment and climate change policy, has also passed a law in 2019 to ban single-use plastics, encouraging recycling and promoting alternatives to plastics. To ensure that these efforts benefit the economy, Rwanda recently established a Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre, a one-stop centre of excellence to promote access to cutting-edge, clean technologies and business services for enhanced productivity. It aims to advance the circular economy and boost climate resilience, competitiveness and environmental compliance. Rwanda is pleased to join GACERE. Minister Mujawamariya said that the collective task of GACERE is now to mainstream circularity across the world, requiring governments to provide the policies and legal frameworks to foster investments in the circular economy. Finally, the Minister reiterated that Rwanda and Africa are open for investments that foster circularity, while also benefiting the environment. She called upon everyone to protect our common and only home.

Nathan Glassey, Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva said that New Zealand is happy to be a member of GACERE. New Zealand’s government has launched a resource efficiency programme to support the long-term goal of circularity. New Zealand has banned micro-beads in personal care products in 2018 and single-use plastic bags in 2019. Now the focus is on the issues that drive change on a larger scale, such as investing in infrastructure to improve recycling of high value plastics, funding new waste reduction measures, through a waste minimization fund supported by a waste levy, invest in product stewardship for problematic waste streams and further work to phase out hard- to-recycle plastics and single use items. This will support cross- cutting benefits many of which are relevant to sustainable consumption and production and inclusive and sustainable industrialization. Some of these benefits include long-term cost savings, more job opportunities, encouraging technical innovation, reducing the waste produced and reversing the impacts on climate change and biodiversity loss. GACERE offers a platform for exchange. New Zealand can share its experiences and lessons-learned while learning from others. It is important to connect members of the international community around circular economy, and GACERE can be a vehicle for ambitious global change.

Mr Joss Blériot, Executive Lead, International Institutions & Governments, Ellen MacArthur Foundation said that it was particularly heart-warming to hear that so many have referred to the circular economy as a system change – which is exactly what it is. We are witnessing the mainstreaming of circularity, as the conversation is becoming global and moving beyond the early adopters of circular approaches. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has for a long time been working on the economic analysis, bringing in the perspective from the private sector and innovators involved in the transition. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation will continue to do that within the framework of GACERE. He suggested that the GACERE should build on the Universal Circular Economy Goals framework

launched by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation at the beginning of the year to focus on common goals and methods. He highlighted that the circular economy is an agenda for economic growth - a development agenda that fosters prosperity. He stressed that the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is keen to take the conversation to the global stage – whether at UNEA focusing on a global plastics agreement or pushing for those legislative components that will allow actors to adopt circular economy approaches at scale.

Endorsement of the Concept Note for GACERE

The Concept Note for GACERE was then shown on screen and endorsed by acclamation.

Conclusions and Next Steps

Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, gave the closing remarks. He said that solving the climate and biodiversity crises will require taking less from nature – and even giving back more than we take. He stressed that a circular economy, where resources are used more efficiently, is our only sustainable future, and is essential for keeping humanity’s footprint within a ‘safe operating space’. Circular economy approaches can lead to new business models, improved product design, enhanced reuse, and make recycling easy to keep resources in the economy for longer. This makes us more resilient, creates green jobs and fosters innovation, while at the same time lowering greenhouse gas emissions and easing the pressure on ecosystems. GACERE will need to lead by example and work for a just transition within our own regions, countries and communities as well as worldwide. The Commissioner thanked UNEP, UNIDO and the distinguished speakers who had joined the launch event and said that the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy, and the World Circular

Economy Forum are all expected to contribute, and that GACERE will cooperate with existing regional platforms like the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Circular Economy Coalition as well as the African Circular Economy Alliance. Finally, the Commissioner highlighted that the circular economy uptake would mean just and inclusive change, leaving no one behind. He welcomed everyone to join.

Family photo

Annex: Agenda 13:45 Log-on 14:00-14:05 Welcome and housekeeping Ms Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General, Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission

14:05-14:10 Circularity to advance sustainable consumption and production Ms Inger Andersen, United Nations Under Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

14:10-14:15 Circular economy as a path to inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, innovation and green jobs Mr LI Yong, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

14:15-14:40 First Session: The circular economy contribution in achieving climate neutrality Speakers are invited to present their views on how GACERE would support a global just transition to a resource efficient and circular economy that meets the Paris Agreement goals.

14:16-14:17  Mr Carlos Eduardo Correa Escaf, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Colombia 14:18-14:20  Mr Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Environment, Japan 14:22-14:23  Mr Gabriel Quijandría Acosta, Minister of Environment, Peru 14:24-14:25  Ms Patricia Fuller, Ambassador for Climate Change, Canada 14:27-14:28  Mr Ayub Macharia, Director, Environmental Education and Awareness, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya 14:29-14:30  Ms Teresa Oberhauser, Focal Point and Global Coordinator, UN Environment Programme Major Group for Children and Youth

14:40-15:00 Second Session: Achieving sustainable consumption and production and inclusive and sustainable industrialisation through circular approaches Speakers are invited to present their views on how GACERE and circular economy approaches can contribute to sustainable consumption and production and inclusive and sustainable industrialisation globally

14:41-14:43  Mr Sveinung Rotevatn, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Norway (recorded video-message) 14:44-14:45  Mr Javier Naranjo, acting Minister of Environment, Chile 14:47-14:48  Mr Muhammad Abubakar, Federal Minister for Environment, Nigeria 14:49-14:50  Ms Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment, Rwanda 14:52-14:53  Mr Nathan Glassey, Head of Delegation to UNEA-5, New Zealand 14:54-14:55  Mr Joss Blériot, Executive Lead, International Institutions & Governments, Ellen MacArthur Foundation 15:00-15:05 Endorsement of the Concept Note for GACERE The Concept Note shown on screen to mark the endorsement by GACERE members. 15:05-15:10 Group photo All speakers to turn on their cameras for the group photo.

15:10-15:15 Conclusions and Next Steps: The role of GACERE in supporting a global just transition to circular and resource efficient economies Mr Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

Annex: Speakers and participants

Florika Fink-Hooijer, Dr. Florika Fink-Hooijer is the Director-General of the Environment Director-General, Directorate- Department of the European Commission (DG ENV). Having occupied General for Environment, various senior management positions in the European Commission, she European Commission is recognised for her strong management and leadership skills and her in- depth experience in EU policy making & shaping. A lawyer by training, Florika brings a proven record of accomplishment in foreign external policy and security matters as well as in disaster risk reduction and justice and home affairs. Florika also has extensive experience in leading complex inter-institutional and intergovernmental negotiations. In each of her assignments at senior level, she helped to instil a culture of transparency and accountability and steered transformational processes.

Inger Andersen, Executive Inger Andersen is Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director of the United Nations Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, Environment Programme headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Between 2015 and 2019, Ms. (UNEP) Andersen was the Director-General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ms. Andersen has more than 30 years of experience in international development economics, environmental sustainability, strategy and operations. She has led work on a range of issues including agriculture, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, climate change, infrastructure, energy, transport, and water resources management and hydro-diplomacy. Between 1999 and 2014, Ms. Andersen held several leadership positions at the World Bank including Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa; Vice President for Sustainable Development and Head of the CGIAR Fund Council. Prior to her 15 years at the World Bank, Ms. Andersen worked 12 years at the United Nations, first on drought and desertification, beginning with the UN Sudano-Sahelian Office. In 1992, she was appointed UNDP’s Water and Environment Coordinator for the Arab Region. Ms. Andersen holds a Bachelors from the London Metropolitan University North and a Master’s in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. LI Yong, Director General, LI Yong, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO), has had an extensive career as a senior Development Organization economic and financial policymaker. As Vice-Minister of Finance of the (UNIDO) People’s Republic of China and member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank for a decade, Mr. LI was involved in setting and harmonizing fiscal, monetary and industrial policies, and in supporting sound economic growth in China. He pushed forward financial sector reform, and prompted major financial institutions to establish corporate governance, deal with toxic assets and strengthen risk management. Mr. LI gave great importance to fiscal and financial measures in favor of agricultural development and SMEs, the cornerstones for creating economic opportunities, reducing poverty and promoting gender equality. He played a key role in China’s cooperation with multilateral development organizations, such as the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank.

Carlos Eduardo Correa Escaf, As Mayor of Montería, during the 2012-2015 term he ranked the capital Minister of Environment and of Córdoba as a sustainable city. He returned the Sinú river to the city Sustainable Development, and transformed it into the social, cultural, and economic development Colombia axis of Montería. He also pushed forward solar energy projects and fomented sustainable culture. He holds a Business degree from the EAFIT University in Medellín and has become a reference to many regional, national and international leaders as his public administration showed sustainable territories can be built. He’s been a special presidential consultant for the country’s regions and professor at many different colleges (EAFIT, Technological Institute of Bolívar, UIS at Bucaramanga, and the Sinú University in Montería). He’s also been an external consultant on territorial development at the Xaverian University (Cali). Due to his work in matters of sustainability he was nominated Best Mayor of the Country during the 2012-2015 term. Mayors’ Fund for London, on their behalf, acknowledged him as one of The Top 10 Mayors of the World. He’s also been Director of the Territorial Project in CIDER (Andes University) and held the Vice Presidency of Asocapital’s Board of Directors. He also was an advisor on Multipurpose Cadastre and Territorial Development at ESAP-ASOCAPITAL and the UN Development Programme—Presidency of Colombia. Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Mr. Koizumi Shinjiro has been the member of the House of Environment, Japan Representatives in Japan since 2009, having represented Yokosuka and Miura City in Kanagawa Prefecture. Being born and raised in Yokosuka, surrounded by the seas of beautiful Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay, he has increased concerns about marine pollution. Since September 2019, he has served as the Minister of the Environment. He belongs to the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and holds various senior positions at LDP such as the Director of the Youth Division, the Director of the Agriculture and Forestry Division, Chief Deputy Secretary-General and the Director of the Health, Labor and Welfare Division. He also served as Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office and Parliamentary Vice- Minister for Reconstruction. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Kanto Gakuin University, in Japan in 2004, and a master’s degree in Political Science at Columbia University, in the United States in 2006.

Gabriel Quijandría Acosta, Gabriel Quijandría Acosta is a recognized expert in environmental issues Minister of Environment, Peru and natural resource management. He has a broad experience in environmental policy and management, sustainable development financing, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. In the field of research, he has conducted studies oriented to policy design and has undertaken teaching activities, at the university level and for decision makers in the public and private sectors. He is a Master in Administration of Natural Resources from INCAE Business School in Costa Rica, and a graduate in Sociology from the University of the Republic in Uruguay. He has held positions as Co-

president of the Green Climate Fund, as a Representative in Peru of The Nature Conservancy and as the Head of the Technical Department of PROFONANPE. Furthermore, he has held the position of Vice Minister of Strategic Development of Natural Resources at the Peruvian Ministry of Environment twice, from December 2011 to December 2016 and from March 2019 to November 2020. Patricia Fuller, Ambassador Patricia Fuller was named Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change on for Climate Change, Canada June 5, 2018 for a term of three years.

The mandate for Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change includes:  providing advice on climate change considerations in Canada's international priorities;  leading bilateral engagements with partner countries on clean growth and climate change;  representing Canada in international cooperative initiatives related to climate change; and  promoting Canada's clean growth and climate change priorities.

Ms. Fuller holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics and Political Studies from Queen's University, and a Master of Science with distinction from the London School of Economics. She served abroad as Ambassador of Canada to Uruguay from 2004 to 2007 and as Ambassador to Chile from 2012 to 2015. Previous international assignments also include Mexico and Guatemala. In Ottawa, Ms. Fuller has specialized in trade and economic policy, as well as climate change and energy. At Canada’s foreign ministry, she served as Deputy Director for Trade Remedies (1997-1999), Director of the Softwood Lumber Division (2003-2004), Chief Economist (2007- 2010), Director General of Planning and Reporting (2010-2012) and Director General of Economic Development (2017-2018). She was seconded to Natural Resources Canada from 2015 to 2017, to head up the Office of Energy Efficiency. She also managed environment and climate change files earlier in her career while working at the Privy Council Office where she supported the Cabinet Committee on Economic and Regional Development Policy from 2000 to 2003.

Teresa Oberhauser, Focal Teresa Oberhauser is one of the two Global Coordinators of the Major Point and Global Coordinator, Group for Children and Youth of UN Environment (MGCY of UNEP), a UN Environment Programme mandate she holds as Liaison Officer of Europe’s biggest student Major Group for Children and organisation AEGEE European Student Forum. Together with her Youth colleague, Teresa has grown the global Major Group for Children and Youth from an ad-hoc group of youth organisations meeting around UNEA to the universal platform of more than 350 youth environment organisations that it is today. The Major Group has since participated in most negotiations of UNEP processes. It has conducted a variety of projects in cooperation with more than 10 UNEP divisions, all through volunteer effort. Teresa holds a postgraduate degree in Politics and Public Management from Potsdam University. In her professional life she works at a start-up on supply chain communication for circular economy, engaging in Dutch, German and European research consortia on circular economy.

Sveinung Rotevatn, Minister of Sveinung Rotevatn (born 1987) is a Norwegian lawyer and politician. Environment and Climate Rotevatn is the deputy leader of the Norwegian Liberal Party and was Change, Norway appointed Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment on 24 January 2020. Prior to his position as Minister of Climate and Environment, Rotevatn held the position as State Secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Climate and Environment. Sveinung Rotevatn leads the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly as current president of UNEA-5. Rotevatn was elected member of the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) for the period of 2013 to 2017 representing the Norwegian Liberal Party. Before his period as member of parliament he was the leader of the liberal youth party of Norway, The Young Liberals of Norway. Javier Naranjo, acting Minister Lawyer from Andrés Bello University and LL.M UC in Regulatory Law of Environment, Chile from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Mr. Naranjo holds extensive experience in administrative and environmental law. Before taking his current position, he was the Head of Legal Division at Environmental Assessment Service (2018-2019) and Head of Litigation and Administrative Resources in the same institution (2014-2017). During the first government of President Sebastian Piñera, he was Head of Legal Division at Interior Ministry in Aysen Region (2011-2014). He also has experience in the private sector, as an associate lawyer at Jara del Favero law firm, specializing in the practice of administrative, environmental, and natural resources law. Muhammad Abubakar, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar was born on 30th December, 1958 Federal Minister for in Tudun-Wada, Kaduna South of Kaduna State. He obtained his Environment, Nigeria bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Microbiology and Natural Resources Management respectively from Central Washington University, Ellensburg and Ph.D. in Watersheds Management from the University of Arizona, USA. He worked in various organizations as an Environmental Health Inspector, Industrial Hygienist and Waste Investigator in the USA. Apart from belonging to various professional bodies, he has been a Member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Deputy Director Field

operations - APC Presidential Campaign Council, National Chairman Buhari Support Organizations, and Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board. He is happily married with children. Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya is the Minister of Environment, of the Minister of Environment, Republic of Rwanda. Rwanda Prior to her appointment in November 2019, she served as Ambassador of Rwanda in Russia from 2013 and Rector of Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) from 2011 to 2013. Minister Mujawamariya served also as Rwanda’s Minister of Gender and Family Promotion (2008-2011), Minister of Education (2006-2008), Minister of State in Charge of Higher Education (2005-2006) and Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education in the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Scientific Research (2003-2005). Minister Mujawamariya holds a Ph.D. in Physical-Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, India. She is passionate about environment conservation and efficient natural resources development to achieve sustainable development and green growth for Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation. Nathan Glassey, Counsellor, Nathan Glassey is New Zealand’s Deputy Permanent Representative to Deputy Permanent the United Nations in Geneva. In this role, he also leads New Zealand’s Representative, delegation to the UN Environment Programme. New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations in A career diplomat, Nathan has also served in New Zealand missions to Geneva Papua New Guinea, Australia and the UN in New York. Immediately prior to his current role, he was part of the leadership team in the Global Environment section of New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Nathan has undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in science, with a focus in zoology and ecology.

Joss Blériot, Executive Lead, Jocelyn Blériot joined Ellen MacArthur in 2007, after 12 years spent in International Institutions & the media and publishing industry. Governments, Ellen MacArthur Foundation Initially in charge of editorial matters at the Foundation (overseeing content development and messaging), he now fully focuses on leading the organisation’s institutional engagement. He notably represents the Foundation at the European Commission and manages the relationship with governments and supra-national bodies such as the United Nations, the G7 Resource Alliance, the OECD and the World Economic Forum.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Virginijus Sinkevičius is the present Commissioner for the Environment, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, at the European Commission. Mr. Sinkevičius was Oceans and Fisheries Minister of Economy from 2017 to 2019 and previously led the Committee of Economy at the Parliament of Lithuania. Mr. Sinkevičius was elected to the Parliament in October 2016. Prior, he was a Team Lead for Regulatory Affairs at Invest Lithuania. Mr. Sinkevičius holds a BA in International Relations and Affairs from Aberystwyth University and a master’s degree in European International Affairs from Maastricht University.