UNECE introduces circular economy principles to business incubator models of Central Asian countries to achieve sustainable development

In recent years, the participating States of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) - Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - have observed rapid growth in the number and impact of business incubators and accelerators. At the same time, awareness of circular economy principles and the potential to move towards a zero-waste economic model remains at a relatively early stage.

Embracing the circular economy in the SPECA subregion promises wide-ranging benefits. From stimulating economic growth by creating new markets from otherwise wasted products to preserving the environment and promoting social equity, this sustainable model aligns with the subregion's goals of achieving sustainable development and resilience in an increasingly globalized world. Embracing circular economy principles could position the SPECA subregion as a leader in sustainability, attracting investments, creating green jobs, and preserving the countries’ unique natural heritage for future generations.