NAIROBI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE) was launched on Monday in Nairobi to boost the growth of the circular economy while enhancing resource use efficiency to reduce carbon and water footprint.
The alliance, launched on the sidelines of the virtual fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5), is expected to revitalize the management of solid waste to generate income and reduce pollution.
"The launch of an alliance that steps up commitment to the circular economy is timely and welcome," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Program (UNEP).
"Circularity is key to promote resource efficiency, address the planetary crises of waste pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change while delivering a green pandemic recovery," she added.
The global initiative to promote the growth of the circular economy is a brainchild of UNEP in conjunction with the European Commission (EC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
More than a dozen countries have backed the initiative that seeks to hasten the transition to a circular economy that provides a durable solution to the pollution and unemployment crisis in the rapidly growing cities.
Andersen urged governments to embed circularity within their climate response strategies adding that electronic waste recycling, in particular, could unleash multiple benefits including green jobs for urban youth.
Li Yong, director-general of UNIDO said the launch of a global initiative to promote circular economy will ensure that clean technologies and innovations are harnessed to create jobs and improve planetary health.
"Circular economy will help mitigate climate change, slow biodiversity loss, create green jobs and enhance the well-being of our society," said Li.
He said that the circular economy has gained traction globally amid realization of its huge economic, health and ecological benefits by governments, investors and local communities. Enditem
