A Stronger Circular ASEAN: Highlights from the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum 2025
In the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur, the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF) 2025 unfolded on October 16-17, drawing attention from over 200 policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and development partners both in person and online. This gathering, an essential part of ASEAN Circular Economy Week, served as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration towards a more sustainable, circular economic framework across the region.
Accelerating the Circular Transition
The theme of ACEF 2025 was clear: Accelerate the Circular Economy Transition in ASEAN with Green Skills, Innovative Solutions, and Investments. This theme captures the pressing need for an integrated approach to circularity that can positively impact environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social resilience.
HE Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasized that the circular economy isn’t just a desirable option but a necessity to combat challenges such as resource depletion, unsustainable consumption, and escalating climate change. The rapid urbanization in ASEAN often leads to increased pressure on ecosystems, making it imperative to rethink and redesign the systems of production and consumption.
Key Priorities of the Forum
Discussions at the forum revolved around three key priorities:
Developing a Skilled Workforce: The need for a workforce equipped with green and circular skills was paramount. Emphasizing education in circular practices is essential for driving this transition.
Scaling Innovative Circular Solutions: The sharing of successful models and practices was a central feature, allowing participants to learn from each other’s experiences and adapt proven strategies.
- Mobilizing Finance for Circular Initiatives: Finance was highlighted as a crucial element needed to support tangible action towards circularity.
Sharing Good Practices and Collaborative Efforts
One of the standout sessions was a multi-stakeholder dialogue co-organized by the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, the Stockholm Environment Institute Asia, and the Global Green Growth Institute. The session delved into practical recommendations and concrete actions necessary for a robust circular roadmap for the region.
A critical takeaway from these discussions was the recognition of strong local ownership in initiatives which, when combined with international support, can lead to more sustainable outcomes. Development partners like the EU play a revolutionary role in this landscape, advancing education and innovation to foster a more sustainable economy.
Partnerships and Collaborations
ACEF 2025 served as a catalyst for new partnerships, building upon the momentum established during ASEAN Circular Economy Week (October 14-15). Notable initiatives included the launch of the SEA-MaP Regional Platform for Innovation and Investments, which aims to connect corporates, startups, and investors in scaling plastic circularity solutions.
Moreover, the event featured a side session by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, emphasizing circular business models, further highlighting the rich potential of ASEAN-EU collaboration. HE Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador to ASEAN, reaffirmed this commitment, stating that initiatives like ACEF are key to transforming shared visions of sustainability into actionable strategies.
A Shared Future: The Path Ahead
As the forum concluded, a sense of purpose filled the air as representatives from various sectors expressed their commitment to deepening ASEAN-EU collaboration in advancing a circular economy. The event reinforced the idea that this transition must be inclusive, leverage innovative solutions, and be primed for investment.
The EU’s Global Gateway strategy stands as a strong foundation to support ASEAN’s green transition. By mobilizing investments into people and innovation, the EU aims to facilitate a circular economy that is not only beneficial for ASEAN but also competitive on a global scale.
The Global Gateway will enable initiatives focused on harmonizing standards, improving certification, and enhancing traceability within value chains integral to the circular economy. Furthermore, it supports programs aimed at developing green skills necessary for future job markets, including vocational training and educational exchange.
Conclusion
The ASEAN Circular Economy Forum 2025 demonstrated that a collective commitment to sustainability can pave the way for a brighter future. By prioritizing education, embracing innovation, and mobilizing resources, ASEAN can transition toward a circular economy that addresses environmental and economic challenges while fostering resilience.
Moving forward, the commitment for collaboration, underpinned by the strategic support of partners like the EU, offers a promising outlook for ASEAN. The lessons learned and initiatives set forth during this forum will not only impact the region but have the potential to resonate globally, illustrating how collaborative efforts can lead to sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world.
For more in-depth insight, the ACEF 2025 full highlights and agenda can be accessed online, providing a blueprint for ongoing discussions and actions in pursuit of a circular future for ASEAN.
