NETWORK ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY (NCE)

The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) launched a Network on Circular Economy (NCE) on 29th March 2023 with the aim of promoting an economic system that promotes the reuse and regeneration of resources, in which waste is minimized and materials are kept in use for as long as possible. We believe that a shift towards circular economy is critical due to:

Resource efficiency - helps to conserve natural resources and reduces the strain on the environment.
Environmental protection - minimizing waste, reducing pollution, and conserving resources, circular economy can help to protect the environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Economic benefits - circular economy can create new business opportunities and generate economic growth by creating jobs in areas such as recycling, remanufacturing, and repair
Social benefits - circular economy can promote social sustainability by creating jobs in local communities and supporting a more equitable distribution of resources.
Long-term sustainability - by promoting a more sustainable approach to production and consumption, a circular economy can help to ensure that resources are available for future generations.

The network will be structured around three core areas namely research, policy engagement and outreach, and capacity building

The network will generate and disseminate knowledge on the circular economy in Pakistan and beyond. This effort is expected to support relevant stakeholders in adopting circular business models that are socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable and to provide skill development trainings to the relevant stakeholders.

Objectives of Network on Circular Economy

To produce evidence on the circular economy in Pakistan, with a focus on reducing waste and pollution; conserving resources; creating economic opportunities; supporting social and environmental sustainability; and driving innovation.
To engage in policy dialogue and outreach activities with federal and provincial governments, regulatory bodies, business associations, and manufacturing sector to promote circular economy policies and practices in Pakistan.
To design and deliver capacity-building initiatives, including green skills development and circularity reporting, for private sector in Pakistan
To evaluate the impact of policies and programs on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and circular economy practices in Pakistan, and making recommendations for improvement and scaling up.
Facilitating collaborations and partnerships between network members and external stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, businesses, and regional and international organizations, to promote knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and joint research and advocacy efforts.

Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the Network Members:

To design joint projects that promote research, outreach, and capacity building on circular economy.
To participate in peer reviews of research products including policy papers, working papers, research articles, policy briefs, and journal articles.
To participate in consultative workshops, webinars, seminars, talk shows, and documentaries on the circular economy in Pakistan.
To contribute to publications as co-authors, independent opinion pieces, and capacity building with relevant stakeholders
To engage in policy dialogues and consultations with federal and provincial governments, chambers of industries, business councils, and industries.
To design and deliver capacity-building training, including green skills development and circularity reporting, for private sector in Pakistan
Identifying opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with other organizations working on circular economy issues in Pakistan and globally.
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of the network’s activities on promoting the adoption of circular economy practices in Pakistan and making recommendations for continuous improvement.
Engaging in advocacy efforts to promote supportive policies and regulations for the circular economy in Pakistan, including tax incentives, procurement policies, and extended producer responsibility schemes.
Encouraging academia across Pakistan and beyond to increase research efforts in this area.