World Resources Forum 2015: Efficiency and management in relation to circular economy

At the World Resources Forum 2015, more than 600 participants debated and exchanged their views on issues such as resource-efficiency, sustainable production and climate change. Key areas of discussions at plenary sessions and workshops were circular economy and   decoupling of economic growth from resources.

Participants agreed that in order to set resource management targets and goals for   policymakers, reliable and comprehensive indicators and benchmarks that could produce   meaningful data are needed.

These topics are garnering increased global attention, as well they should be – the G7 Summit Declaration explicitly identified resource-efficiency as vital element of sustainable development. Natural resources lie at the heart of discussion about the 'Future We Want' – high quality of life and strong economic growth will require technological, financial and societal innovations that work to preserve our planet’s natural wealth for the future generations.

The forum drew in more than 600 participants from 108 countries from every continent, from the government, business, scientific and civil sectors, representatives of international organizations as well as engaged students and young change-makers. Stakeholders representing countries at different stages of economic development and capacity discussed the need for cross-border governance frameworks and noted the urgency in investing  in businesses that will serve as building blocks for circular economy.

Participants debated and exchanged their views on how to increase resource-efficiency, invest in   innovation for sustainable production, respond to climate change, decrease the socio- environmental footprint of current consumption and production patterns, and achieve sustainable lifestyles and ensure high quality of life for all groups of society.

They also engaged in roundtables and working groups at workshops and scientific sessions,   formulating policy recommendations on resource governance at all levels and suggesting follow-up activities and topics for further research and investigation. They determined that there is a strong need for reliable and comprehensive indicators and benchmarks that could produce meaningful data to set targets and goals for policymakers in the field of resource management.

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