The United Nations Industrial Development Organization held the workshop to validate the project “Climate and Biodiversity Action through Circular Economy Solutions” (CB-ACES) this Wednesday (21), in São Paulo. The event brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, the financial sector, and civil society to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening the circular economy in Brazil.

The initiative seeks to promote solutions aligned with climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, and national sustainable development priorities. During the workshop, participants discussed topics such as public policies, technical capacity building, industrial pilots, green finance, and specific actions focused on promoting gender equality within the sector.

According to Clovis Zapata, UNIDO Representative in Brazil, the project represents an important step toward integrating sustainability and industrial development. “CB-ACES strengthens a concrete agenda to connect industrial competitiveness and sustainability, bringing benefits both to local communities and to Brazilian industry,” he said.

For Amar Munnolimath, Director of Green and Circular Economy at Adelphi, the participation of national stakeholders is essential to ensure the project addresses the country’s challenges and opportunities. “Validation with national stakeholders is essential to ensure the project responds to the country’s priorities and generates solutions that are applicable to the Brazilian context and replicable in other Global South countries,” he highlighted.

Artur Granato, Competitive Intelligence Researcher at SENAI, emphasized the role of innovation and technical training in accelerating the transition to more sustainable production models. “Technical capacity building and innovation are essential elements for turning the circular economy into productive practice, connecting applied knowledge, industrial development, and effective solutions for the sustainable transition of Brazilian industry,” he stated.

The CB-ACES project will be funded by the Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Klimaschutz, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit through the International Climate Initiative and will be implemented in Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa.

In Brazil, federal coordination will be led by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. Implementation will be led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, in technical partnership with adelphi and the National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI).

Currently in its preparatory phase, the project is expected to last five years, with implementation scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The proposal validated during the workshop will be submitted for final review by the IKI next week.

The initiative is expected to support the development of public policies, training programs, pilot projects, and financing mechanisms capable of advancing circular economy solutions focused on climate action and biodiversity conservation.