The human factors of circular economy



The new circular economy has to meet the needs of all, ensuring accessible, affordable and secure resources and services. Humans are at the heart of the transition and it is time for us to reframe the system. Human factors—our talents, capacity for compassion and creativity and awareness are our biggest assets. We know that a change is needed and it is in our power to make it happen.

Putting humans and our connection to nature at the core of the circular economy reminds us that our well-being is connected to the well-being of our planet—and on the circular transition, no one should be left behind. The transition will only be successful if we manage to leave behind the damaging aspects of the linear reality. For that, we need thinkers and visionaries who are ready to imagine a new system. How can the circular economy be used to increase equality and equity and to build safe and future-ready societies and industries? What are its implications, for example, for the minorities, indigenous communities and across the North-South divide? Can culture and arts help us on our quest for a better future? What can we do to unlearn linear thinking through education and nurturing skills to enable a circular and regenerative future?


Agenda

Opening and welcome speeches 

  • Elva Rakel Jónsdóttir, Festa & Einar Kleppe Holthe, Nordic Circular Hotspot

  • Marthe Haugland, Senior Innovation Adviser, Nordic Innovation

  • Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle and former president of Iceland

  • Dagur B. Eggertsson, Mayor of Reykjavik

  • Kari Herlevi, Head of global collaboration for sustainability solutions, Sitra

The human factors of circular economy

  • Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, Sustainability leader, speaker and author

  • Amit Paul, Co-founder, CEO & Podcast host, Innrwrks, Anagoge, Legacy17 & World of Wisdom — and representing Inner Development Goals

    Panel conversation

    • Einar Kleppe Holthe, Managing Partner, Nordic Circular Hotspot

    • Ramona Liberoff, Executive Director, PACE – Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy

    • Guðrún Aðalsteinsdóttir, CEO, Krónan

    • Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, Sustainability leader, speaker and author

    • Amit Paul, Co-founder, CEO & Podcast host, Innrwrks, Anagoge, Legacy17 & World of Wisdom — and representing Inner Development Goals

Circular economy for all

  • Leyla Acaroglu, CEO & Founder, The UnSchool, Swivel Skills & Disrupt Design; Chief Circular Designer, Circular Australia

    Panel conversation

    • Elva Rakel Jónsdóttir, Managing Director, Festa – Center for Sustainability

    • Ugnė Budriūnaitė, Acting Secretary-General, ReGeneration 2030

    • Leyla Acaroglu, CEO & Founder, The UnSchool, Swivel Skills & Disrupt Design; Chief Circular Designer, Circular Australia

    • Thor Sigfusson, Founder, Chairman, Author and Public Speaker, Iceland Ocean Cluster

    • Nauja Bianco, Director, founder and consultant, Isuma Consulting

Closing remarks


Speakers in this session


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Building blocks of circular societies