Seoul, South Korea; June 02, 2023 — Globally, 70% of greenhouse gas emissions and 50% of global waste emanate from cities. At the same time cities demand almost two-thirds of global energy produced. The circular economy can provide a policy response to cope with the above challenges, as a driver for economic growth, jobs, and environmental quality. To share knowledge on best practices the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Embassy of Sweden Seoul, and Business Sweden organized the first in a series of knowledge-sharing seminars targeting high-level participants from the public, industry, and academia from both Sweden and Republic of Korea.
Today’s seminar started with a deep dive on circular economy. The seminar presented an opportunity for the government and circular city solution providers to have an open and honest dialogue about the challenges and needs of businesses to support and increase investment in green growth, green jobs, and environmental quality.
Forward-thinking circular economy policies pursued by Sweden, and the Republic of Korea aim to bring about fundamental upstream changes and foster the competitive trade of circular products within the market. Panelists presented the ideal starting point for implementing these forward-thinking circular economy initiatives. Panelists further noted that cities thrive on the constant creation and application of innovative ideas, providing a platform for collaboration between the public and private sectors. Only by establishing a significant number of circular cities that prioritize green and efficient production and consumption, rather than nature-consuming and destructive practices, can we truly reap the rewards of our circular economy endeavors.
“GGGI will facilitate the operationalization of the green partnership between Sweden and Korea (EU and the ROK), while also fostering green collaborations with numerous other nations that want to acquire knowledge and adopt Swedish and Korean circular economy policies and technologies” shared by Dr. Kyung Nam Shine, Assistant Director-General and Head of Investment and Policy Solutions Division at Global Green Growth Institute, in his opening remarks. Dr. Shine emphasized the importance of the joint effort to promote a mutually beneficial green synergy in a circular economy sector among our partner countries.
Daniel Wolvén, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Korea, stated, “Today’s theme aligns with Sweden’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Through collaboration, Sweden and South Korea can learn from each other, and find solutions to enhance our cities and daily lives.” Speakers from Stockholm Environment Institute and City of Gothenburg shared solutions and ideas on strengthening the circular economy, highlighting case studies from cities. Eric Langmans, General Manager at Atlas Copco Korea and Fredrik C Johansson, CEO & CSO at IKEA Korea, shared their contributions to the circular economy and emphasized that the green transition is not only a necessity, but a way to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness. Today’s seminar will be followed up by seminars on ‘smart mobility’ and ‘renewable energy’ later this year.