Fast-growing populations and urbanization combined with rising standards and aspirations of living and economic modernization are shaping the future of sustainable development in the Global South. The African region and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in particular will face significant transformations over the next decades. The recent pandemic-induced recession exposed the vulnerability of resource-dependent economies, as well as the social inequalities, which predominates in both regions, reinforcing the urgent need to consider a new development paradigm that enables economic diversification, resilience building and social inclusion.   

The principles of circularity have long been practiced in Africa and LAC, where sustainable practices such as permaculture, community sharing, and the use of biomaterials find their roots in indigenous lifestyles. A rich biodiversity, presents in hotspots such as the Amazon forest and the Congo Basin, also constitutes a unique heritage for the regions which now face an existential threat due to climate change, natural habitat encroachment and pollution. 

This session, hosted by the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) and the LAC Circular Economy Coalition (LAC-CEC), will serve as a regional dialogue to frame a common understanding on how the circular economy can accelerate the transition to climate-friendly, restauration, and inclusive development in the Global South. Innovative solutions will be showcased as example for replication, while the type of policies and financing required to scale-up circular value-chains will be discussed.