With public procurement spending up to 30% of GDP, governments play a key role in steering the transition towards a circular and just world across three pillars: economic sustainability, social equity, and environmental responsibility.  

The session will focus on two contrasting practical mechanisms demonstrating how international collaboration can enhance demand-pull for circular and sustainable outcomes. Firstly, through national, regional and local socially responsible investment and procurement strategies and actions to accelerate the shift to decarbonize construction and infrastructure as part of the wider climate emergency (OPN Flagship Initiative on SPP & Construction). Secondly, across the global ICT value chains (CFIT). Innovative and circular procurement solutions can preserve the value of materials through repair, reuse, remanufacture and recycling; procurement tools such as LCA, sustainability criteria, guidelines and ecolabels can contribute to the same.  

By leveraging their purchasing power, governments can promote sustainable economic growth, ensure fair and equitable treatment for all stakeholders, and minimize environmental impact through responsible procurement practices. The session will call for commitments and recommendations for SPP for a sustainable, circular, and just world. 

Coming soon