The third International Conference of the Global Research Forum (GRF) on Sustainable Production and Consumption, hosted by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex.
GRF’s third international conference explores paths to sustainable production and consumption through the synergies and tensions among the circular economy, sustainable lifestyles and livelihoods, and their implications for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Premised on the recognition that linear economies are unsustainable on a finite planet, the concept of a circular economy proposes a restorative and regenerative economic system, using renewable resources, optimizing resource use and recovery, and supporting sustainable livelihoods and lifestyles.
Policymakers are increasingly seeing the circular economy as a way to create jobs and increase prosperity in the face of rising natural resource costs and companies are incorporating the concept into their business models and practices. The circular economy could offer a genuine win-win: improving the quality of life while reducing environmental degradation, a key aspiration of the Sustainable Development Goals.
However, critical engagement with the concept and practice raises several questions about the opportunities and challenges in transitions to a circular economy. GRF’s third international conference convenes stakeholders from multiple domains – researchers, development practitioners, policy makers and representatives from business, government and civil society – to explore some of key questions and debates on the circular economy and their implications for lifestyles and livelihoods in both industrialized and developing countries.
Speakers
Keynote speakers include:
- Janez Potocnik, former EU Environment Commissioner, Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel
- Ashish Chaturvedi, Head of Climate Change, GIZ India
- Jacqueline Cramer, former Dutch Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, Chair Sustainability and Innovation, Utrecht University
- Joss Blériot, Executive Officer, Head of Editorial and Public Affairs, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
- Barbara Muraca, Oregon State University
Conference Programme
The plenary programme is now available to view.
Early Bird Registration
Register for this three day conference at the early bird rate – now available until Friday 31 March via the GRF website.
Key contacts
