On 16 November 2024, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the COP29 Presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan convened the Ministerial Meeting on Circular Economy “Empowering Interregional Partnerships for Circular Economy Transition: Towards a Climate Resilient and Sustainable Future via Resource-Efficiency” on the margins of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku.
The meeting was inaugurated by Ms. Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and Dr. Asad M. Khan, Secretary General of ECO as keynote speakers.
Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlighted her reflections on the importance of international cooperation in advancement of circular economy. The Meeting then proceeded to the high-level panel discussions in two sessions. In the first session, the high-level panelists shared their insights on empowering interregional partnerships for circular economy transition, while another session elaborated the reflections from international organizations and academia.
During these panels, the vital role of circular economy practices in achieving our climate goals and economic transition, enhancing resource efficiency, and creating resilient communities were discussed.
It is noteworthy that the Meeting was held as an interactive panel discussion to pave the way for open exchanges among a wide range of stakeholders. To ensure inclusivity, the Meeting brought together over ninety representatives of major international organizations, entities, businesses, academia, civil society, and other relevant partners.
Finally, the “Joint Declaration on Baku Resource Efficiency and Circularity Agenda” and the “Joint Statement on launching the RESCUE” were presented by the ECO Secretary General, Dr. Khan as the outcome documents of the event. The Declaration manifested the resolve in advocacy of resource efficient, sustainable and circular policies globally, as well as the importance of enhancement of regional ownership and bridging a network of entities advocating circular transition. The Joint Statement marked launching of the Regional Initiative on Resource Efficiency, Sustainability and Circular Economy in the ECO Region (RESCUE), as a joint initiative of ECO Secretariat and COP29 Presidency aimed at creating a regional cooperation platform that will advocate for a just transition to a resource-efficient and circular economy. Both documents have non-binding character and all stakeholders were invited to associate with them.
