22 October 2014: The 2014 World Resources Forum (WRF) brought together over 1,000 participants from 40 countries and international organizations to share knowledge and ideas on how to increase resource productivity, promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and mitigate climate change, while still maintaining and improving the quality of life for people everywhere.

Held in Arequipa, Peru, from 19-22 October 2014, WRF featured a wide range of panel sessions and plenaries, from workshops on such topics as low-carbon development and the social dimensions of sustainability to scientific sessions examining recycling industries and cities and decoupling economic growth and natural resource use.

During a workshop on ‘Sustainable Recycling Industries for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE),’ participants noted the varying degrees of success across the Latin American region and argued for more regional harmonization to expedite progress. In another panel, companies and organizations shared their experiences in making gold mining more sustainable.

Speaking at a plenary on ‘Doing Business with Less,’ one panelist noted that resource extraction often reflects events in other sectors of the economy; all drivers and consequences of the activity have to be examined to create a plan that protects both natural resources and people’s livelihoods.

These insights and many others are reflected in the Chairman’s draft summary, which notes, inter alia: the importance of the precautionary principle in creating a safe operating space for socioeconomic activities; the need for scientific research; the potential that traditional technologies and values have to safeguard resources; that “brilliant ideas originate from people who are dissatisfied, curious, hopeful and open for change;” and that indicators should be developed and improved for biomass, abiotic materials, water and land use.

Additionally, according to the draft summary, the Peruvian Ministry of Environment and the National Council for Science and Technology signed an agreement during the conference to increase inter-agency cooperation to advance sustainable development objectives.

The next WRF is planned for 11-16 October 2015 and will be convened in Davos, Switzerland. An Asia-Pacific regional WRF will be held 1-3 June 2015 in Sydney, Australia. [Draft Chairman’s Summary] [WRF Website – Spanish] [WRF Website – English] [WRF Press Release, 21 October 2014] [WRF Press Release, 23 October 2014] [WRF Flyer] [WRF Programme]