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Programme 15–16 April – Main event 15–16 April – Workshops 17 April – Belgian Accelerator Day 17–18 April – Accelerator sessions Side events Studios About the programme Speakers Expo Latest About WCEF – the story so far Partners Practical information Media

About the programme

WCEF2024 – Turning circular visions into actions!

The programme on 15 and 16 April consists of 4 plenaries and 16 parallel sessions guided by the latest scientific evidence, spiced up with 11 workshops hosted by our partners – plus a variety of accelerator sessions held by our collaborators on 17 and 18 April in Brussels and around the globe.

several famous buildings and monuments from Brussels assembled above the Wcef2024 logo

WCEF2024 has joined forces with the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference 2024 (ECESC), which brings to the forum a dedicated track showcasing Europe’s progress.

In addition, the Belgian EU presidency team will offer a full day’s programme on 17 April including site visits to circular economy companies in Belgium.

WCEF2024 will be hosted at the SQUARE convention centre in Brussels. You can also join the forum online or take part in 7 WCEF Studios around the world.

This year, our new features allow you to view the programme as a list or a timeline. You can also use filters to search for the most interesting content for you. Check out the menu and stay tuned for accelerator sessions, expo area hosts, speakers and more!

What’s to expect?

Have a closer look at the programme structure, session design and major topics below.

You can also download a printable version of the programme overview.

Cutting edge solutions, inspiring insights and meetings that matter

The WCEF2024 programme is guided by the latest scientific evidence on the most impactful circular solutions and explores how to turn them from theory to action. It is designed to facilitate targeted discussions around governance, finance, people and employment, and business and innovation – the key enablers that drive the implementation of circular solutions on the ground.

On the first two days, 15–16 April, the forum will offer 4 plenaries and 16 parallel sessions with complementing workshops. The plenaries will explore cross-cutting thematic issues for a diverse, global audience and they will set the vision for a circular economic model that delivers well-being for all within the planetary boundaries.

The parallel sessions will bring the themes of each session to life through inspiring, practical and scalable examples of the circular economy in action. Day one will include an introduction into topics that contribute to the needed global transformation across sectors.

The following parallel sessions divide into four tracks:

  • Bioeconomy (food and bio-based materials)
  • Infrastructure (built environment and mobility)
  • Manufactured goods and consumables
  • European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference (ECESC)

On 17–18 April, accelerator sessions organised by WCEF2024 collaborators bridge the forum themes with the daily work needed for a circular transition. On 17 April, the Belgian EU presidency team will offer a full day programme, including site visits to circular economy companies in Belgium.

In addition to in-session audience engagement, participants will be able to access a networking area, an event application and an expo throughout the forum. The expo is a curated space for forum attendees in Brussels to engage with innovative and inspiring circular economy solutions demonstrated by leading organisations and businesses from around the world.

Join us for 2+2 days filled with playful discovery!