Connecting the dots: Creating an enabling environment for SDG12 in ASEM
The ENVforum Annual Conference 2020 took place 9-11 November 2020 virtually and brought new perspectives on the topics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); inclusive food value chains; sustainable garments; and single-use plastics, all with special consideration to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion points and outcomes from the 4 thematic streams were finalised into policy briefs. The following presents the key takeaways from the policy briefs:
- AMR Thematic Stream: Without our joint cross-sectoral effort, the health sector alone cannot combat the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) same as COVID-19 pandemic. For example, there is a need to consider antibiotic quantity reduction used in livestock production, which is part of the food systems for our daily life. | Full policy brief: [Link]
- Inclusive Food Value Chain Thematic Stream: There is a need to shift from the dominant food systems model that relies heavily on chemical input, monoculture, and large industrial systems. Policies that help secure tenure for small-scale farmers and indigenous peoples; and multi stakeholders and multi-rights holder platform are crucial for the shift to a more sustainable and equitable food value chain. | Full policy brief: [Link]
- Sustainable Garment Thematic Stream: There is a need for Policy regulation of this crucial sector that consumes a lot of natural resources (mostly water) for transitioning towards a cleaner and fairer garments value chains while preserving the economic benefits of the sector. | Full policy brief: [Link]
- Single-use Plastic Thematic Stream: There is considerable potential for synergies if single-use plastic waste reduction efforts are coordinated across the supply chains such as green procurements and product design & innovation, among others. The impact of the 3Rs (reduce-reuse-recycle) should be strengthened by focusing on the transition towards the reduction of Single-use plastic production. | Full policy brief: [Link]
All presentations can be found in this document: [Link]
Full conference report: [Link]
Registered participants can watch again the conference’s sessions on whova: https://whova.com/portal/webapp/envfo_202010/
ENVforum Webinar Series:
In the lead-up to the Annual Conference, ENVforum organised three thematic webinars on Single-use Plastic, Sustainable Garments and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) impact on achieving the SDGs. These webinars explored crucial topics related to sustainable production and consumption, and gathered interesting inputs on the topics which were further presented and discussed during the Conference.
| Find out more about the webinar series here
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Information on our past ENVforum Annual Conferences:
Information and materials from the 2019 edition: The role of consumer in triggering changes in consumption & production (Japan – July 2019).
Information and materials from the 2018 edition: Asia-Europe Pathways Towards Responsible Consumption and Production: From Linear to Circular Economy (Poland – October 2018).
Information and materials from the 2017 edition: Asia-Europe Sustainable Development Goals and Financing: No Longer Business as Usual (Viet Nam – September 2017).
