The Hassan II International Center for Environmental Training, co organized with the United Nations Environment Programme and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, on Tuesday, June 2nd, a Webinar on “Consuming and producing sustainability to build back for the green future we want for Africa” with an inspiring array of speakers.

Mr. Badr Ikken, Vice President of the Green Economy Committee at the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, shared his perspective that there is a need to “Create a green economy to converge economic interests and environmental concerns”. Mr. Patrick Mwesigye, Regional Sub-Programme Coordinator, Resource Efficiency and SCP at UN Environment Africa office, indicated that “to better address current challenges, we need to ensure the coming back and survival of small and medium enterprises, switch to circular economies and work on the integration of the informal sector”. Mrs. Amal Benaissa, Sustainable Finance at Bank of Africa – BMCE Group, informed the audience that “Bank of Africa – BMCE Group aligns with international efforts and national strategies to drive sustainable finance and development goals with positive impact”. According to Mrs. Oladosu Adenike, Ambassador for the African Youth Climate Hub, “Climate change is a threat multiplier and the greatest decision world leaders can take in this new normal is the green recovery pathway that stands as a solution multiplier to existing crises”.  Mr. Tshepo Mazibuko, Managing Director at K1 Recycling, expressed that “The private sector needs to drive environmental sustainability initiatives to minimize the impact of waste on the environment like CocaCola investing in pet recycling initiatives around Africa”. “The waste you see at the surface of the ocean represents only 30% of the total ocean pollution, it’s time to clean up the mess”, concluded Mr Rick Bonnier, Founder and CEO of the Bonnier Group Ltd.

More than 120 participants were able to enjoy the elements shared by these speakers and take part in an interactive dialogue. Through a live survey, in excess of 90% of participants expressed their belief that the circular economy could bring solutions to the post-covid19 challenges and the clear majority expressed their support of the World Environment Day and that all stakeholders in Africa need to work together to build back for the Green Future We Want.