On 7 July 2025, UNU-IAS co-organized a parallel session at the 20th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology in Beijing. With the theme “Greening Education: Transforming Circular Economy Education for Future Generations”, the session highlighted the integration of circular economy concepts into curricula through research, policy and practice, and how addressing real-world challenges have fostered international collaboration.
Anupam Khajuria (Research Fellow and Academic Associate, UNU-IAS), facilitated the dialogue on how education systems can respond to the growing demand for circularity. Members of global and regional networks mobilized by UNU-IAS — the Promotion of Sustainability in Postgraduate Education and Research Network (ProSPER.Net) and the global network of Regional Centres of Expertise on ESD (RCEs) — showcased their circular economy experience in higher education and local community contexts. ProSPER.Net members presented on how higher education can foster green skills and interdisciplinary learning, particularly on sustainable resource management (Ateneo Institute of Sustainability), systemic approach to circular economy by linking research with industry (RMIT University) and using construction waste as a business model for a circular economy (University of Peradeniya). Meanwhile, RCE members shared their activities promoting environmental awareness through eco-clubs (RCE Chandigarh) and integrating circular economy principles in higher education curricula (RCE Krygyzstan).
A panel discussion addressed key issues including university collaboration with industry and government, capacity building through non-formal learning and strategies for integrating circular economy principles into business education. The vital role of education was underlined, particularly in equipping students and professionals with the skills and mindset necessary to lead the shift towards sustainable consumption.
The session was co-organized by UNU-IAS, the ProSPER.Net Expert Advisory Panel on Circular Economy (chaired by Prof. Usha Iyer-Raniga), the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, and Tsinghua University.
