The Circular Change Conference is one of the key European meeting points of circular economy changemakers. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its 5^th edition - on 1 September - was transformed into a “virtual roadshow” consisting of 5 events and 5 partnerships.

The Conference,  in partnership with the Bled Strategic Forum and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of Slovenia, was focused on key European and Slovenian achievements in the systemic circular transition, as well as on challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis, calling for the radical shift in the minds.

Circular Change's collaboration with Bled Strategic Forum is the result of a joint ambition to engage the whole spectrum of different stakeholders and stress the importance of systemic, transdisciplinary and inclusive approach in the process of rethinking the economy and society of the future. The focus is on security (in terms of healthcare) and economic recovery (in terms of green recovery) forward.

Throughout the entire Conference, the mindset – how to rethink our values and redefine our patterns, definitions, metrics, habits, and decision-making processes - was explored, addressing the SDGs, the European Green Deal, the new Circular Economy Action Plan, as well as Green Recovery interventions. Top-down and bottom-up approaches have been bridged, introducing circular measures taken by governments as well as circular initiatives launched by citizens.

Slovenia, on its part, has adopted the EIT Climate-KIC Circular, Regenerative Economies Deep Demonstration programme with the ambition to showcase an increase in visibility as a circular economy leader, with progressive and innovative community events designed to bring stakeholders together, ensure the dissemination of results and put the country on the international circular economy map. Great content also for the upcoming Slovenian EU Presidency in 2021!