WCEF Side Events present circular economy solutions from around the globe and attract an international audience. They address specific topics related to the circular economy and the role circularity plays in the economies of the future, as well as in the fight against climate change and the biodiversity crisis.
WCEF Side Events are part of the World Circular Economy Forum concept. Organisers are responsible for all practicalities, expenses and inquiries related to organising and participating in the Side Events. WCEF Side Events may be organised throughout the year either virtually or locally, depending on COVID-19 restrictions.
All WCEF Side Events organised between 28 November and 11 December 2022 are listed on this page – as well as monthly workshops from July to October that prepare the Forum programme, organised by our co-host ACEN.
See the full list of all WCEF Side Events organised in 2022 on Sitra’s website.
Please note that the call for applications for 2023 WCEF Side Events is already open. Instructions for applying can be found on Sitra’s website.
Past events
Thursday 21 July
Circularity in Africa: fashion and textiles
This workshop, first of a five-part series, aims to stimulate the conversation on circularity in the textiles and fashion industry in Africa, focusing on how successful circular initiatives in the industry overcame barriers to entry.
Organiser: African Circular Economy Network (ACEN)
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3
Thursday 25 August
Circularity in Africa: packaging
The workshop will lay the groundwork for action African stakeholders in various areas of the value chain, including recycling, innovative collection methods, bio-plastic production and research on the transition to circular packaging in Africa.
Organiser: African Circular Economy Network
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3
Thursday 22 September
Circularity in Africa: built environment
The workshop will discuss how to implement circular economy principles, which include circular design, sustainable building materials, the construction of green buildings to improve operational life; and circular approaches to managing waste and wastewater from the built environment.
Organiser: African Circular Economy Network
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3
Thursday 20 October
Circularity in Africa: electronics
The electronics sector in Africa is riddled with challenges, including the lack of institutional infrastructure, illegal importation, mounting e-waste and health implications. This session will discuss how the circular economy can be implemented to overcome these challenges and create economic opportunities, while the information and communication technology industry grows in Africa.
Organiser: African Circular Economy Network
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3
Thursday 17 November
Circularity in Africa: food systems
Food systems are a major contributor to GDP in Africa and a crucial infrastructure for feeding its people. This session will focus on the transition to a circular food systems value chain and how the circular economy can aid in adapting the African food system for a growing population.
Organiser: African Circular Economy Network
Time: 16:00-18:00 UTC+3
Wednesday 30 November
Focus on Canadian business circularity 2022
This event showcases a spectrum of Canadian businesses from across the country, from startup to experienced, who are implementing circularity principles. Join us in our second year of networking as we learn from each other and inspire others globally.
Organisers: Circular Economy Clubs of Canada (Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver)
Time: 19:00-20:30 UTC+2
Saturday 3 to Monday 5 December
Circular economy hackathon
This event provides participants a platform to find circular solutions to problems based on themes identified in the African Circular Economy Alliance’s 5 big bets for Africa’s path to circularity, including priority areas identified by the Ministry of Environment in Rwanda.
Organiser: African Leadership University
Time: 9:00-17:00 UTC+2
Saturday 10 December
Reduce-reuse-recycle: market pop-up
A pop-up event, showcasing local businesses promoting a circular economy and reduce-reuse-recycle mentality in the community. Learn how these businesses are making a difference in the community and how you can play a role in supporting them.
Organisers: Kigali Farmers and Artisans Market and PIMA Zero Waste Shop
Time: 9:00-18:00 UTC+2
Tuesday 13 December
Plastic recycling transformation in Ghana
The event will focus on finding similarities and exploring collaborative economic pathways in the promotion of the circular economy between Finland and Ghana.
Organiser: Business Finland
Time: 10:00-15:00 UTC+2
Design a circular business model with a serious game*
This is a collaborative workshop to understand the circular economy through the design angle. You will play as a team to rethink a company’s current activity and make it evolve towards efficiency and optimisation of resources, designing out waste, and regeneration of ecosystems. *Please note that this event charges a fee to attend.
Organiser: Circulab
Time: 19:00-21:00 UTC+2