Sitra – The Finnish Innovation Fund is a pioneer in advancing the circular economy globally. As the initiator of the world’s first national circular economy road map, Sitra addresses societal challenges that shape our world. Their international programmes collaborate with partners to solve global challenges, enhance well-being and boost economic growth within the Earth’s carrying capacity. They drive systemic change through research, innovation and stakeholder collaboration. Promoting circular business models, skills, jobs and policies, they actively contribute to EU-level initiatives such as the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP). Globally, Sitra advances circularity through the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC) and the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF), a leading annual conference and global platform for knowledge exchange and partnership building, initiated by Sitra.

Kari Herlevi is Programme Director for Global Circular Economy at Sitra. He leads Sitra's international efforts to advance the circular economy, focusing on systemic change, foresight and cross-sectoral partnerships. Kari has played a key role in shaping global circular economy dialogues, including the WCEF and the EU CERC. With a background in sustainability and innovation policy, he works to align well-being and economic growth with planetary boundaries. Kari is a frequent speaker at international events and a driving force behind Sitra’s global initiatives to promote regenerative and inclusive circular solutions.

Generation Climate Europe (GCE) is the largest coalition of youth-led networks at European level on climate and environmental topics, bringing together 381 national organisations across 46 countries in Europe.

Dario Barcella is the Coordinator of the Circular Economy Working Group at GCE, where he leads initiatives promoting inclusive circular economy policies, with a focus on textiles, food and critical raw materials.

Currently pursuing studies in sustainable development, he leverages his expertise in partnerships and international cooperation to address environmental policy and support the energy transition. Across these areas, Dario remains committed to ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into every stage of the legislative process.

ACR+ is an international network of cities and regions sharing a common goal: promoting sustainable resource management practices. Established to encourage innovation, knowledge transfer and cooperation, they are at the forefront of the movement toward a circular economy, where resources are used sustainably and waste is minimised, where sub-national authorities play a key role and establish strong partnerships with a multitude of stakeholders. 

Anita Lombardo is a Project and Policy Officer at ACR+, where she manages EU-funded projects focusing on circular public procurement, construction and demolition waste, EPR and circular bioeconomy. With experience across the public, private and non-profit sectors, she has engaged with diverse stakeholders and developed expertise in policy analysis, project management and cross-sectoral collaboration. Anita has worked at Nespresso and at the European Commission’s Secretariat General, gaining deep insights into mainstreaming sustainability considerations in production value chains and policy. Fluent in English, French and Spanish, Anita holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development and her wide-ranging expertise enables her to navigate the complexities of EU programmes and sustainable development initiatives.  

The Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS) is an international NGO with a network of members and experts advocating for environmentally friendly technical standards, policies and laws. For over two decades, they have shaped environmentally ambitious standards, policies and laws in areas such as the clean transition to a circular economy, building a renewable and efficient energy system and fighting greenwashing. They are also pushing for a more inclusive, open and transparent standardisation system at all levels, and the appropriate use of standards in support of environmental legislation and policy.

As Head of the Circular Economy and Nature team at ECOS, Mariana leads efforts to advance environmental priorities in international and EU policy and to strengthen the representation of environmental interests in standardisation. She is responsible for developing and implementing ECOS’ strategy on Circular Economy and Nature.

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development and is active in 125+ countries. ICLEI Europe supports local governments across Europe, the Middle East and West Asia in their transition to climate neutrality and more resilient and equitable communities.

Simon Clement joined ICLEI Europe in 2002. As Head of Circular Economy, he is responsible for ICLEI's activities in this field, including managing the European Circular Cities Declaration. For over 20 years he has worked for, and on behalf of, local, regional and national governments in project, policy and strategy development on sustainability issues such as circular economy, procurement, transport and smart cities.

Recycling Europe is the leading voice for a competitive European recycling industry, enabling the circular economy and preserving resources for future generations.

Julia Ettinger joined Recycling Europe in December 2018. She is a fully qualified lawyer in Germany and holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from George Mason University in Virginia. During her time in the United States, she interned with the World Bank’s Legal Vice Presidency in Washington, D.C. She also worked at a Brussels-based consultancy advising multinational companies on environmental, health and safety (EHS) matters. At Recycling Europe, Julia focuses on regulatory, policy and legal issues of importance to the recycling industry. She has served as Secretary General since April 2024.

The Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP) is an international nonprofit Think and Do tank that works with businesses, policy makers, partner organisations and civil society to deliver a good life.

Michael Kuhndt is the Founder and Executive Director of the CSCP, with more than 20 years' experience of international cooperation, development and sustainability. He has managed programmes for many multinational companies, ministries, European and UN organisations in the fields of: strategy development for sustainable supply chains and circular economy, development/set-up of a sustainable consumption approach, upscaling of sustainable business models, triple bottom line innovation, sustainable finance and policy strategies based on multiple stakeholders.

The European Bureau for Conservation and Development (EBCD) is an NGO founded in 1989 and based in Brussels. EBCD supports science-based solutions, full stakeholder participation, due consideration for the socio-economic aspects and respect for cultural diversity, while specialising in maritime affairs, fisheries, aquaculture and oceans governance. EBCD promotes the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, both in Europe and worldwide. It provides the secretariats of the MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, the IUCN Fisheries Expert Group and the Market Advisory Council of the Common Fisheries Policy. EBCD has been an active member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since it was established, falling under the international environmental NGO category.

Ilias joined EBCD in March 2018, and currently manages the MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, while also serving as Deputy Director at EBCD. Prior to that, he worked in EU Affairs and Communication for a pharmaceutical association in Brussels and as a Communications Executive in Greece. Well-experienced in developing and executing strategic advocacy & outreach, Ilias also holds an MSc in Crisis and Security Management from Leiden University in the Netherlands, and a BA in International & EU Affairs from University of Macedonia, Greece. 

Throughout the years, he has received The Good Lobby 3rd place Award as ‘Political Representative of the Year’ (2019), CV Magazine ‘Best Environmental NGO in Belgium’ Award (2019), The Webby Awards ‘People’s Voice Award for Green Website’ (2017), and the International Public Relations Association Golden World Award for ‘Crisis Management’ (2016).