Reflections on the One Planet Network Forum 2024: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward

The 2024 One Planet Network (OPN) Forum, held in the city of Rio de Janeiro co-hosted by the Government of Brazil, the City of Rio de Janeiro and the One Planet Network, brought together over 500 delegates from more than 40 countries, including high-level representatives, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector leaders, and youth advocates.

Featuring Thematic sessions, Plenary discussions, exhibition space and a Ministerial Dialogue, the Forum was a global gathering for taking action on SDG12. As the dust settles on this important event for #SDG12, we reflect on its successes, identify key areas for further action, and examine where efforts must intensify to achieve sustainable consumption and production (SCP) globally.

A Milestone for Global Commitments to Sustainability

Across the 2-day event, the One Planet Network Forum produced a number of significant announcements and commitments. Firstly, was the endorsement of an outcome document: Reducing Inequalities and Achieving Just Transitions for All Through Sustainable Consumption and Production, Including Circular Economy - Key action areas from the 2024 One Planet Network Forum’, which was considered during the Ministerial Dialogue and subsequently approved by the 10YFP Board at its meeting on September 14th. This document recognizes the importance of actions implemented through the 10YFP as critical to accelerate social inclusion, sustainability and circularity, in high impact sectors and is expected to play a crucial role in shaping discussions at global platforms such as the G-20 and the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).

Secondly, the Forum played host to a number of announcements in the field of sustainable tourism and sustainable public procurement. Progress made within the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, particularly its Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI). Four new organizations, including Ecoe and Ocean Eyes Production, joined the initiative, raising the total number of signatories to 236. Furthermore, seven new signatories committed to the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism, bringing the total to 841.

Additionally, a landmark announcement by UNOPS saw the organization join the Circular and Fair ICT Pact, under the One Planet Network’s Sustainable Public Procurement Programme. With UNOPS having an annual procurement volume of USD 145 million, this commitment marks a significant step towards integrating circularity and fairness in ICT procurement within the UN system.

The Agora: A New Platform for Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

For the first time, the Agora was introduced at the One Planet Network Forum 2024, creating a dedicated space for dialogue and collaboration across diverse business sectors. This platform brought together leading voices from industries such as hospitality, tourism, agri-food, construction, and fashion—sectors at the forefront of implementing practices for sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and circular economy transitions.

Through presentations, case studies, and dynamic panel discussions, business leaders – big and small - highlighted innovative approaches and best practices they are harnessing that not only seeks to reduce environmental impacts but also drive social progress.

The Agora underscored the importance of collaboration between governments, private enterprises, and civil society to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.

This new platform will undoubtedly play a vital role in future OPN Forums, driving continued dialogue and innovation across sectors.

Youth at the Forefront of Climate Action

The Forum celebrated youth leadership in sustainability through the Youth4Climate initiative, co-led by the Government of Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Through a dedicated awards ceremony, ten youth-led projects received grants of up to USD 30,000 for projects aimed at accelerating the shift to patterns of sustainable consumption and production.

These projects, that alongside finance include mentorship and support for policy engagement, act as a reminder of the need to empower youth voices and scale SCP initiatives to create broader impacts.

Key Areas for further action

While the Forum succeeded in driving several critical initiatives and spotlighting areas of action for accelerating the shift to patterns of sustainable consumption & production, several key themes emerged that requires the global community to move further and faster on.

• Firstly, achieving just transitions through SCP means ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind. This was emphasized at the Forum through panel discussions and a dedicated plenary on ‘achieving women’s economic empowerment through SCP’. However, more concrete measures are needed to guarantee that policies and actions are designed in an inclusive manner, particularly in addressing the social dimensions of SDG12.
• Secondly, although progress has been made, scaling circular economy approaches across all sectors remains a challenge. More work is needed to mainstream these solutions, particularly in industries like construction, textiles, and public procurement, where waste and inefficiency remain prevalent. Too, legislation and policies that encourage circular business models and product lifetime extension need to be prioritized.
• Finally, there remains a need for the international community to better acknowledge the link between shifting to patterns of sustainable consumption and production and reducing inequalities. By promoting policies that prioritize equitable access to resources and opportunities, we can help ensure that sustainable practices benefit all, especially marginalized communities.

Looking Ahead

The One Planet Network Forum 2024 helped to reinforce the importance of global collaboration and the need for ambitious actions to accelerate the shift to patterns of sustainable consumption and production.

From reducing inequalities through just transitions to promoting circular economy approaches, the event helped to showcase the importance of multi-stakeholder action – at all levels - for advancing SDG12.

However, the road ahead remains long, and the urgency to act with concrete actions, particularly as we approach pivotal global events like UNEA-7, has never been more urgent.

The One Planet Network Forum was a step forward, but it is only with sustained momentum, innovation, and inclusivity – by all international actors - will we realize patterns of sustainable consumption and production and achieve a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Learn More About the Forum: One Planet Network Forum 2024

Session Video Recordings: Watch Here