8 May, 2019
Ljubljana

Representatives of the Association EPEKA, Soc. Ent., attended the event Social Responsibility for Development.

The world’s population will continue to grow, and the middle class is expected to reach 5 billion by 2030. This means a huge pressure on our environment and on the resources that will become increasingly difficult for us.

The current dominant economic system can be labeled as a “linear economy”. Natural resources are obtained and used to manufacture products, which are then removed after use. After use, products are considered “waste”, while they contain valuable resources. In a system with final natural resources, that is our planet, the linear system reaches its limits at some point. In the context of rising numbers of people and rising consumption, these limits are achieved much earlier.

Circular economy is an economic system in which no material is wasted. Products are designed and built in such a way that they are part of a network where reuse and renewal of the product, components and material ensures continuous (re-use) of resources. This requires a thorough business transformation. Instead of selling products, they should sell their use as a service, which allows us to optimize the use of resources. If we sell the benefits of a particular product instead of the product itself, then we strive for long-term and repeated use.

The conference addressed the solution with “Circular Economy” and promotion of social responsible consumption and production. Speakers pointed out some opportunities within Slovenian – USA economic and corporate cooperation and highlight some calls and cooperation options.

Conference Agenda:

  • 11:30 – 12:00 Registration and opening reception.
  • 12:00 – 12:20 Opening speech with Mr. Robert Križanič, founder and managing director of Povod, Institute for culture and the development of international relations in culture.
  • 12:20 – 12:40 Luka Piškorič, co-founder and managing director of Poligon Creative Centre and Poligon Institute for development of creative industries.
  • 12:40 – 13:00 Presentation of the project “Bridge between Europe and Asia”, about building mutual cooperation between young entrepreneurs from Europe and Asia through raising the capacity of youth organization.
  • 13:00 – 13:30 AmCham, TBC
  • 13:30 – 14:00 Philip Harding, cofounder of IMPACTJUNKIE.
    “Positive Change”
  • 14:00 – 14:30 Assoc. prof. dr. Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, University of Maribor, Slovenia.
    “What is circular economy? Recommendations on improving access to finance for circular economy projects. CICERONE H2020. Calls and collaboration options.
  • 14:30 Reception with catering done by Socio-entrepreneurial initiative for the integration between refugees and the Slovenian society.

GALLERY

The Association EPEKA, Soc. Ent., is supported by: