Launch & Inception Event of the GEF-8 Integrated Programme on Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals in Supply Chains

Circular Innovation Lab (CIL) was honored to participate in the launch of the GEF-8 Integrated Programme on Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals in Supply Chains, hosted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNEP. This transformative event aimed to address hazardous chemicals in global supply chains with a focus on the fashion and construction industries, promoting zero waste, pollution-free practices and nature-based solutions.
 

The event began with a keynote address by H.E. Sabo Ojano, Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable solutions. A panel discussion, moderated by Apoorva Arya of Circular Innovation Lab, explored innovative solutions for sustainable supply chains, featuring contributions from Sok Thy (Eco-bricks Business), Zubeida Zwavel (CARES), Lich Yiliqi (NRDC), and Samuil Shiderov (UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub).
 

Day 2 focused on aligning national and global strategies for sustainability, with notable speakers including Jose Alberto Rodríguez Ledezma (Costa Rica), Daniel Donoso (Ecuador), Francisco Garcia (Peru) and Amit Vashishtha (India). Sessions facilitated by Tapiwa Nxele (UNEP) highlighted circular solutions and enabling environments, with expert insights from Stewart Muir (Bioregional) and Rowena Maguire (QUT), alongside rapporteurs Marilique Nijmeijer (FAO) and Arpit Bhutani (Circular Innovation Lab).

The event successfully brought together stakeholders from key organizations, including UNEP, FAO, Bioregional, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), along with national ministries and focal points from Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, India, Cambodia, and Mongolia.

Circular Innovation Lab extends its gratitude to Anil Sookdeo (GEF Secretariat) and Ludovic Bernaudat (UNEP) for their continued guidance and collaboration, as well as to all participating organizations and representatives for their invaluable contributions toward building sustainable supply chains.​​​​​​​​​​​​