(BELGIUM)
What role can social enterprises play in advancing the circular economy? That will be the hot topic at a new international conference taking place in November.
The two-day event in Charleroi, a city going through its own transformation – from industrial heartland to sustainable urban centre – is being hosted by rreuse. Headquartered in Brussels, the organisation is an advocate for social enterprises working in recycling, repair and reuse ventures.
“The main aim of the public conference is to showcase examples of cooperation between social enterprise, public bodies and private industry and to discuss what could be done to further include community and social enterprise initiatives in Europe’s vision of a circular economy. High profile speakers ranging from the European institutions, public authorities, private industry and social enterprises will present their views in order to stimulate an this important and timely debate,” the event website states.
European institutions are committed to accelerating the shift to a circular economy. Recycling targets of 70% by 2030, up from 44% today, reducing landfill to 5% and cutting food waste by 50% are policies shaping the continent’s vision for a sustainable future.
Social enterprises will play a central role in helping to achieve these goals – and November’s event in Belgium will look at how it can be as effective as possible in doing so.
