Unveiling bio-based solutions from the Global South
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This engaging session delves into emerging economies, showcasing their strides in bio-based interventions. A panel of experts will unravel the innovative approaches that these nations are adopting to harness regenerative production and consumption. Gain valuable insights into the sustainable practices, eco-design principles and waste-to-resource strategies that form the bedrock of these circular transitions.
Managing Director
International Council for Circular Economy
Shalini Goyal Bhalla is a leading expert in the field of circular economy and sustainability. She is the Founder and MD of International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE), a leading Indian think tank that promotes adoption of circular economy practices both nationally and globally. She is the editor of India’s first journal on the circular economy and wrote India’s first book on the topic. At WCEF, she leads the Global South and North collaboration discussions, representing a cooperation of eight countries.
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Katja Suhr
Head of Circular Economy Team
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Katja Suhr leads the circular economy programme at GIZ. With a background in international business administration, she has over 20 years’ experience in international cooperation with a focus on business development and sustainable management.
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Tackling bio-waste: Sustainable waste management initiatives transforming Indian cities
Shalini Bhalla
Managing Director
International Council for Circular Economy
Shalini Goyal Bhalla is a leading expert in the field of circular economy and sustainability. She is the Founder and MD of International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE), a leading Indian think tank that promotes adoption of circular economy practices both nationally and globally. She is the editor of India’s first journal on the circular economy and wrote India’s first book on the topic. At WCEF, she leads the Global South and North collaboration discussions, representing a cooperation of eight countries.
Read full bio
Katja Suhr
Head of Circular Economy Team
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Katja Suhr leads the circular economy programme at GIZ. With a background in international business administration, she has over 20 years’ experience in international cooperation with a focus on business development and sustainable management.
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Ideas to action: Growing the circular bioeconomy, focusing on the Global South
Anjali Taneja
Senior Policy Specialist & Group Head (Sustainability)
Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)
Anjali Taneja is an economist and a seasoned sustainability expert. Over the last 15+ years she has spearheaded several sustainability initiatives involving evidence-based research, thought-leadership and policy enrichment with the Government of India (GoI), UNDP, Ashoka University, FICCI and CII. At CSTEP, she leads the Sustainability Vertical, focusing on the circular economy spanning energy, telecom, e-waste, the bioeconomy and lithium-ion batteries, among others. As a principal investigator, Dr Taneja has designed a PAN-India framework for solar photovoltaic waste recycling. She is also serving as a member of the GoI’s Apex Committee on circular economy in telecom and on ICCE’s board as an honorary advisor. Her research has been published widely in India and overseas.
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Examples of bio-based solutions in the Global South
Shalini Bhalla
Managing Director
International Council for Circular Economy
Shalini Goyal Bhalla is a leading expert in the field of circular economy and sustainability. She is the Founder and MD of International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE), a leading Indian think tank that promotes adoption of circular economy practices both nationally and globally. She is the editor of India’s first journal on the circular economy and wrote India’s first book on the topic. At WCEF, she leads the Global South and North collaboration discussions, representing a cooperation of eight countries.
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Piotr Barczak
Circular Economy Program Manager
ACEN Foundation
Piotr is a Belgian/Polish national with over 11 years’ experience in circular economy policy development. Currently he works for the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) Foundation and is a council member of the European Environmental Bureau.
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Dukwoo Jun
Circular Economy Community of Practice Lead
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
Dukwoo Jun is a distinguished leader in green economic development, with a focus on circular economy initiatives. As the global lead at GGGI, he has spearheaded innovative circular economy investment solutions. Dukwoo’s work in public-private partnerships has launched transformative waste-to-value projects in developing countries, integrating cutting-edge practices such as EV battery recycling, biomass-based plastics, biochar and biohydrogen. Prior to his current tenure, he served at the National Institute of Green Technology of the Republic of Korea as a director and circular economy specialist. His work encompassed steering technical assistance for green R&D and fostering circular approaches, spawning impactful spin-off projects.
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Mellany Díaz
Adviser to the ministerial office
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Guatemala
With her vast experience in environmental management, Mellany Díaz has led the strategic planning of environmental projects in the public and private sectors. In several positions, lately the executive director of the national sector of plastics, her work has focused on the implementation of environmental certifications that boost business competitiveness in the plastics industry in Guatemala. She has contributed significantly to promoting use of alternative raw materials, such as bioplastics, and developing comprehensive solid waste management plans at the business, municipal and community levels. Mellany holds a master's in sustainable development and a postgraduate degree in corporate social responsibility.
