Social and Circular: Thriving in 2050

Join RREUSE and our Dutch member network, Branchevereniging Kringloop Nederland (BKN) at our international conference in The Hague, where we will shape a vision for a thriving social and circular economy in 2050!

It is widely recognised that social enterprises are important social economy actors and circular economy pioneers. They advance sustainable resource management, nature conservation and climate neutrality, as well as the fight against poverty, inequality and social exclusion. As the world faces a series of climate, environmental and social emergencies, the need for this sector to thrive is obvious.

Close to 95 million people in the EU alone are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Global materials use continues to grow by an average of more than 2.3 per cent per year after having already increased more than three times over the last 50 years. And while the International Resource Panel highlights creating circular, resource-efficient and low-impact solutions and business models as critical, secondary materials consumed by the global economy decreased to only 7.2% last year, according to the latest Circularity Gap report.

How to ensure that social enterprises can play an even bigger role in closing this circularity gap, reducing resource use, lifting people out of poverty and enhancing social inclusion? What can we learn from existing practices and innovation within the RREUSE network? What would it take for the sector to be financially viable across the EU? What policies are already in place, and which further measures are needed? 

These are some of the questions we will address at our international conference, as we pursue our vision of an inclusive circular economy based on reuse and repair in solidarity with both people and the environment. 

DAY 1 is open to the general public and will bring together social enterprise representatives from across Europe, EU and national level policymakers and NGOs, private and public sector representatives and many other actors interested in ensuring an inclusive transition toward a truly circular economy. Following a rich programme with eminent speakers and focused side sessions, we will conclude with a festive reception to celebrate BKN’s 30th anniversary. Dutch-English interpretation will be provided throughout the day. 

DAY 2 is highly interactive and reserved for national networks and social enterprises that are part of the RREUSE network. In pursuit of a prosperous future for social enterprises active in reuse, repair and recycling we will focus on the vital topics of financial viability, impact and innovation.

Follow the links on this page for a more detailed preliminary agenda and register via the bilingual (NL-EN) form administered by the BKN. 

We look forward to welcoming you in The Hague, on the way to a social and circular future!