Honorary Council Meeting: Circular Change’s Vision for 2025 and Beyond
On February 5, 2025, Circular Change held its annual Honorary Council Meeting online, gathering key figures in the circular economy movement, including Janez Potočnik, Karin Huber Heim, Guido Braam, and Patrick Schroeder. The meeting reflected on the remarkable achievements of 2024 and laid the groundwork for 2025, reinforcing Circular Change’s role as a global advocate for sustainable transformation. Although Jacqueline Cramer was unable to attend, a separate meeting was held with her to ensure alignment on key topics.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting:
Expanding Global Impact – Circular Change participated in 52 international events, strengthened ties in Brazil through Circular Hotspot Recife, and co-created high-level policy discussions, including the President’s Forum on Sustainable Transformations in Food Systems.
Strengthening Thought Leadership – As a key player in the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP), Circular Change co-chaired major events, including WCEF 2024 in Brussels, and contributed to the Circular Economy Joint Declaration 2024.
New Initiatives for 2025 – The upcoming year will feature participation in major events such as the GO FORWARD Congress, WCEF Brazil in São Paulo, and the Osaka EXPO, as well as the continued success of the Ecotopia Summer School.
Overcoming Challenges – Despite facing uncertainties and shifts in project partnerships, Circular Change remains committed to its mission. The Honorary Council emphasized the importance of resilience, strategic advocacy, and continued collaboration to navigate these challenges effectively.
Policy and Business Synergies – The discussion highlighted emerging circular economy policies in Australia, ASEAN, and Germany, the growing importance of material targets at the EU level, and opportunities for collaboration with private equity investors and impact-driven businesses.
As Circular Change navigates the evolving landscape of circular economy policy and practice, the unwavering support of its Honorary Council reinforces the strength of its mission. With a vision deeply rooted in systemic transformation, Circular Change continues to shape a world where circularity is not just an ambition but a reality.