Circular economy for sustainable futures - Connecting innovation, research, and partnerships to accelerate SDG progress

The circular economy is increasingly promoted in many industrialized countries, particularly in Europe, as a driver of economic growth, the creation of new value chains, and a strategic instrument for strengthening sovereignty and securing supply chains. Beyond these economic and resource-security dimensions, it also represents a powerful lever for social equity, education, inclusion, and the reduction of environmental and energy-related impacts. This is especially relevant in countries of the Global South, where scientific studies highlight the urgency and transformative potential of circular economy approaches in addressing challenges such as waste management, resource scarcity, rapid urbanization, industrial development, job creation, and climate resilience. Across Africa and Asia, circular practices are already embedded in local economies through repair, reuse, remanufacturing, informal recycling systems, and community-based resource management. These practices reduce environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions while supporting livelihoods and improving access to essential services. In this context, the circular economy contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to responsible consumption and production, climate action, sustainable cities, innovation, and inclusive growth. However, unlocking its full potential in the Global South requires more than replication of external models. It demands investment in local innovation ecosystems, scientific research, technological development, and higher education. High-level research in universities and innovation hubs is essential to design solutions adapted to local realities, including eco-design, waste valorization, renewable energy integration, industrial symbiosis, and circular business models. Strengthening research capacities in Southern countries is essential to ensure they are not only technology recipients, but also producers of knowledge and innovation. This implies reinforcing interdisciplinary research, North–South cooperation, and equitable partnerships. At the same time, circular economy development raises questions of governance, financing, technology transfer, social justice, and recognition of informal actors central to resource recovery systems. Ensuring inclusiveness and local adaptation is critical. This session will address these different dimensions of the circular economy through experiences, research initiatives, public policies, and case studies from several countries in Africa and Asia. It will particularly highlight the importance of fostering innovation, scientific excellence, and research-driven approaches as key enablers for sustainable and inclusive circular economy transitions in the Global South.