Programme & speakers

Introduction and moderation by:
  • Peter Schmidt, President of the Sustainable Development Observatory (SDO) of the EESC
Invited speakers
  • Mr William Neale, Advisor for Circular Economy, European Commission Directorate General Environment – The European Green Deal and Circular Economy as drivers for a low-carbon post-Covid recovery
  • Ms Meta Gorišek, State Secretary from Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia – introductory remarks about the vision of Slovenia for a just transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral and circular economy / Ms Janja Kreitmayer McKenzie, EU Coordination and International Affairs Service, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia -  presenting the project "Decarbonising Slovenia: A Deep Demonstration of a Circular, Regenerative and Low-Carbon Economy"
  • Ms Cliona Howie, Head of Circular Economy Climate KIC - presenting examples on how to leverage collective knowledge and expertise to ensure that post-Covid recovery is aligned with climate and SDG commitments
  • Ms Hatty Cooper, Circle Economy (The Netherlands), Member of the Coordination Group of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform - introducing the ECESP and presenting examples of how to actively engage with various stakeholders in activities aiming at the circular economy transition at grassroots level
  • Mr Mark Hidson, Deputy Regional Director, Global Director Sustainable Procurement, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability – presenting the perspective and examples of local governments' action on climate and circular economy
Closing remarks
  • Mr Stefan Back, EESC Member