As part of the SwitchMed programme’s continuing awareness-raising activities, a three-day online training course on the principles of Circular Economy was held online from 15-17 March. Organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as part of the SwitchMed/MED TEST III project, the training offered to over 40 industry decision-makers from public institutions in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine an introduction of possible policies and initiatives which governments can use to promote the transition to a circular economy.

The three-day training started with an introduction to the importance of developing circular economies and was subsequently divided into 12 courses. Each course focused on introducing the respective cycle of a circular economy following the circular economy model as outlined by the Ellen McArthur Foundation.

Cross-sectoral topics such as product design, circular business models, and circular planning were also introduced at the end of the three-day training. And two specific courses focused on removing barriers and furthering circular practices in textiles and plastics, two key focus areas of the ongoing SwitchMed/MED TEST III regional programme.

During the three training days, participants demonstrated a strong interest in the content delivered and a willingness to pursue circular initiatives in their respective national agendas. UNIDO will continue to support national institutions and the private sector to develop more circular and resource-efficient business models within the SwitchMed programme.