Extending product lifetimes through re-use and repair has tremendous social and environmental impact and is at the heart of a circular economy vision. These activities can be a powerful vehicle to help develop human capital, strengthen social cohesion and help restore and regenerate cities and regions. Such aspects are seldom put into the spotlight during discussions on Europe’s move towards circular economy.
The main aim of the public conference on 23 November is to show-case examples of cooperation between social enterprise, public bodies and private industry and to discuss what could be done to further include community and social enterprise initiatives in Europe’s vision of a circular economy. High profile speakers ranging from the European institutions, public authorities, private industry and social enterprises will present their views in order to stimulate this important and timely debate.
The event will take place in Charleroi, Belgium, a city with a rich industrial heritage undergoing a dynamic regeneration and transformation. Support for social enterprise is very strong in Charleroi, and the event will provide the opportunity for participants on the second day to visit social enterprise and community initiatives in the region.
For the lastest draft agenda and more information see RREUSE website
DAY 1 (23 November) – Open to all
Venue: Quai10, Quai Arthur Rimbaud 10, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium
Highlights include:
- Showcasing the value of re-use and repair in a circular economy
- Best practice in social enterprise and industry working together in a circular economy
- Public policy support for a circular economy and social inclusion
- Networking cocktail
DAY 2 (24 November) – Open to RREUSE members and wider membership only
Venue: ICDI, Rue du Déversoir 1, 6010 Charleroi, Belgium (tbc)
Highlights include:
- Networking session for development of future social enterprise partnerships
- Presentations on Innovation, partnerships and developments among social enterprises
- Notes on legal developments
- Opportunity to participate in two site visits at a state of the art textile sorting centre of Terre and a re-use centre of Ressourcerie du Val de Sambre
Interpretation available: French – English / English - French
