Focus on Global South for circular economy success, says report

International Labour Organization

Currently, 84% of research into decent work and the circular economy focuses on countries in the Global North, missing the main area of potential for change.

The transition to a circular economy is being held up by a lack of research in developing countries, where the vast majority of waste management and recycling jobs are located, says a report from the International Labour Organization, the Solutions for Youth Employment (S4YE) Programme at the World Bank, and Circle Economy — a non-governmental organisation that promotes sustainable development and the circular economy.

The report, Decent Work in the Circular Economy: An Overview of the Existing Evidence Base, says that current research fails to fully address the impact circular economy interventions have on people in countries in the Global South, atypical workers, women, migrants, youth and vulnerable populations.

The report finds that 84% of research into decent work and the circular economy focuses on countries in the Global North. Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa were the least represented regions – despite the fact that most circular economy activities are now located in the Global South.

"There is no doubt that a circular economy can help us reach our climate goals. However, the links between circularity and the achievement of social and economic progress remain overlooked. The shift towards a more circular economy offers significant opportunities for the world of work, such as the creation of new jobs and sustainable enterprises," said Alette van Leur, director of the sectoral policies department of the ILO.

Representing the first output under the ‘Jobs in the Circular Economy’ initiative  of the ILO, Circle Economy, and S4YE, the report calls for more in-depth research on decent work and the circular economy, focusing on the Global South, informal workers, the quality of jobs and supply chains. Joint advocacy and data partnerships are also needed, it says, to close knowledge gaps, including links to related issues such as climate justice and women’s empowerment.