Main Conference - Plenary

Conference Session One: Wales’ Circular Economy Journey

The main conference commenced with a session looking at key elements from Wales’ journey so far, covering insights from Wales’ transition from one of the first industrialised nations and an extractive economy to being recognised as second in the world for recycling. This session examined the role of crucial elements that have brought about Wales transformation to date covering the partnership approach that has underpinned it and the progressive policy approach undertaken by the Welsh Government.

Speakers included:

• Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister of Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
• Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of the Welsh Local Government Association and Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
• Conversation with Huw Irranca-Davies, MS and Councillor Andrew Morgan, facilitated by Dot Davies.

Conference Session Two: Growing the Circular and Green Economy

This session covered the development of the circular economy and opportunities to contribute to the green economy and greening of the wider economy. It examined how the circular economy transition can be accelerated and the role that industry and business can play.

Speakers included:

• Sebastian Munden, Chair, WRAP
• Panel session on growing the circular economy in Wales and internationally, facilitated by Andrew Slade:
  • Ben Burggraaf, CEO, Net Zero Industry Wales
  • Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, Chairman, Circular Valley Foundation
  • Uxue Itoiz, Director General for Energy, Business R&D&I and Entrepreneurship, Department of Industry and Ecological and Digital Business Transition, Navarra
  • Sebastian Munden, Chair, WRAP

Conference Session Three: Developing a Circular Society

This session covered the importance of transitioning to a circular society, including the circular economy’s contribution to ensuring prosperous and healthy communities and looking at the role communities will play in catalysing this transition. Panellists discussed Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act approach to drive social as well as environmental and economic benefits to ensure that the foundation is laid for a just transition.

Speakers included:

• Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
• Panel session on ensuring a just transition to a more circular society, facilitated by Dot Davies:
  • Sarah Germain, CEO, Fareshare Cymru
  • Cillian Lohan, CEO, Green Economy Foundation
  • Dilyana Mihaylova, Senior Design Manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
  • Champa Patel, Executive Director for Governments and Policy, Climate Group
  • Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
• Showcase of how young people are shaping the circular economy in Wales:
  • Bryony Bromley, Education Manager, Keep Wales Tidy
  • Richard Farmer, Project and Programme Manager, Gwynedd Council