Scaling the Circular Economy: Regional Cooperation to Enhance Resource Efficiency

Representatives of the countries of Central Asia discussed the regional agenda in the field of the circular economy. Economic growth is accompanied by an increase in the volume of waste, pressure on natural resources is rising, and waste management infrastructure is still not developed at an adequate level. Under these conditions, the transition to a circular economy is becoming a practical necessity. It makes it possible to simultaneously support economic development, reduce ecological risks, and improve the quality of life of the population.

           The circular economy goes beyond waste utilization. It involves more rational use of resources, the development of innovation, the creation of new opportunities for business, and the formation of modern green jobs. At the same time, one of the key challenges for the region remains the insufficient alignment of approaches. Differences in regulation, limited coordination, and a lack of investment are slowing down the spread of successful solutions,” noted Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev.

Kazakhstan put forward an initiative to prepare a framework partnership program on the circular economy for the countries of Central Asia. This document will make it possible to align the approaches of the states in the region, develop a common vision and priorities, create more favorable conditions for investment, and expand the exchange of technologies, data, and best practices.

Kazakhstan also proposed the creation of a regional alliance on the circular economy as a platform for continuous interaction among states, international organizations, and the private sector.

           According to the Minister of Ecology, the development of the circular economy is one of the priority areas of ecological policy.

           “We are already taking concrete measures: improving the waste management system, developing extended producer responsibility mechanisms, and promoting digital solutions in the sector. At the same time, we clearly understand that sustainable and large-scale results are possible only through close regional cooperation,” the head of the ministry added.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, Inger Andersen, supported the announced initiatives.

“The transition to a circular economy will create new markets, new opportunities, jobs, new economic value, and systemic sustainability,” said the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The transition to a circular economy will lead to a 3% increase in global GDP, material use will decrease by 30%, greenhouse gas emissions will decline, while the economy will continue to grow. Employment will also increase, according to the United Nations.

Central Asia has already begun the process of reform and transition from a linear economy to a circular one. The next step should be the transition to new business models. Public financial institutions can support this new market. This market is especially important for small and medium-sized businesses and for early innovators, added Inger Andersen.

According to her, it is necessary to focus on areas such as plastics, construction, electronics, textiles, as well as minerals and metals. Central Asia is a major producer of all of the above.

The session was attended by ministers of ecology from Central Asian countries, the Executive Director of UNEP, as well as representatives of international organizations, including the Global Director for Environment of the World Bank, the Regional Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS), and the Ambassador of the European Union.