The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Jeoung-ae) held the 2021 P4G* Seoul Summit Circular Economy Basic Session from 4 to 6:30 pm on May 31.

* P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) means solidarity for green growth and the Global Goals for 2030. It is a communication channel (network) for multilateral cooperation to accelerate green growth and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the expansion of cooperation between public and private organizations around the world.

The circular economy basic session was held under the theme of "transition to a zero waste society through a circular economy strategy". The Ministry of Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute prepared the session to discuss solutions and cooperation plans for the transition to a circular economy with governments, companies, international organizations, civic groups (NGOs), and experts around the world.

The event was broadcast on the P4G Seoul Summit Virtual Platform (2021p4g-seoulsummit.kr).

The event began with the opening speech from the Environment Minister Han Jeong-ae under the theme of carbon neutrality and circular economy policy direction of Korea, followed by keynote speeches by Environment Minister Lea Wermelin of Denmark, and the Executive Secretary Rolf Payet of Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions.

Environment Minister Lea Wermelin of Denmark emphasized that the transition to a circular economy can bring various benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gases, creating jobs and increasing exports. She said that around 700,000 new jobs will be created through a circular economy in Europe alone.

The Executive Secretary, Rolf Payet, of Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions emphasized the urgency of the transition to a circular economy, saying that there may be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050 if the current pattern of production and consumption is maintained.

In the next discussion, Professor James Hooper of Dongguk University, took the lead and discussed plans under the theme of challenges and solutions for the transition to a circular economy with governments, companies, international organizations, civic groups, and experts to strengthen the role and cooperation of each entity.

A video presentation of Coca-Cola Chairman James Quincey opened up the participant discussion. Chairman Quincey explained that Coca-Cola is carrying out various activities, such as setting water quality conservation, reducing packaging materials, and responding to climate change as priority in their corporate values while expanding the use of renewable raw materials to build a circular economy.

Dutch Deputy Minister Roald Lapperre of Infrastructure and Water Management, CEO Na Kyung-soo of SK Global Chemical, Vice President and Regional Director Wanjira Mathai for Africa at WRI, Chief Steven Stone of UN Environment's Resources & Markets Branch, Professor Lee Seung-hee of Kyonggi University, and President Evangelos Gidarakos of the International Waste Working Group participated as panelists.

For the transition to a zero-waste society through circular economy, the panelists discussed concrete action plans on: △ corporate technological innovation, △ enhancement of consumer awareness, △ government system improvement and policy support, △ global stakeholder cooperation and other actions.

In particular, the Netherlands proposed a specific goal of reducing 50% use of natural raw materials by 2030 via establishing a cooperative system for the transition to a circular economy with industries in five key sectors: plastics, manufacturing, construction, biomass, and consumer goods.

CEO Na Kyung-soo of SK Chemicals explained the aspiration to take the lead in the development of plastic recycling technology, as the production of plastics using waste plastics for raw material produces less carbon than general plastics, which can reduce potential costs for companies.

In addition, in a follow-up session led by the P4G Secretariat, Global Director Kevin Moss of the World Resources Institute chaired the discussion on strengthening cooperation for implementing a circular economy in developing countries such as Bangladesh, Kenya, and Indonesia.

"The climate crisis we are facing today came from the linear economic structure, the legacy of the industrialization era," said Environment Minister Han. "We set 2021 as the first year of a circular economy and strive to make a transition into the fair circular economy by discovering and supporting a leading model of the circular economy. We will also contribute to the international cooperation by joining the GACERE* and actively working for the goal," she added.

* Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency. 12 countries are participating including the EU, Norway, Japan, and Canada.