2020/01/22     Dresden, Germany

What new ideas does “nexus thinking” offer to support the transition towards a circular economy? This question is at the heart of the third Dresden Nexus Conference (DNC2020). From 3 to 5 June, the United Nations University (UNU‐FLORES), TU Dresden, and IOER jointly organise the conference. More than 300 participants from all over the world are expected at the Deutsches Hygiene‐Museum in Dresden, Germany. Early bird registration at reduced rates runs until 15 March.

Dresden, 22 January 2020. – There are already various examples worldwide of how circular economy concepts can contribute to more sustainable processes and lifestyles and thus to the careful use of natural resources. Over 20 million hectares of agricultural land in water‐stressed areas around the world are irrigated with wastewater. The valuable resource phosphorus is recycled from wastewater and sewage sludge so that it can be used again as an important component of fertilisers. A not less significant example is applying solid waste‐derived compost or other bio‐based materials to soils for improving both the amounts and quality of soil organic matter. Despite many positive aspects, there are still many unanswered questions and reservations with regard to recycling processes.

Under the umbrella “Circular Economy in a Sustainable Society”, the third Dresden Nexus Conference
(DNC2020) in June will be devoted to these issues. DNC2020 aims to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy by focusing on identifying and discussing the concepts that nexus thinking offers to support the transition towards a circular economy. The Nexus Approach, as well as the concept of a circular economy, have the potential to contribute to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The conference aims to show ways in which the
Nexus Approach can help to support the transition towards a circular economy.

The conference brings together actors from academia, civil society, industry, and government from all
over the world. Like the previous events in the series, DNC2020 aims to bridge the gap between research and practice. By bringing together actors from a diverse range of disciplines and sectors,
DNC2020 fosters dialogue on how nexus thinking contributes to achieving sustainable development for all. In addition to a variety of both traditional and new session styles which serve the purpose of dialogue and joint learning, various excursions are also offered on the third day.

Registration via the DNC2020 website is now open. Early bird registration ends on 15 March 2020.

What is the “Nexus Approach”?

The goal of the Nexus Approach is to manage environmental resources sustainably. In order to achieve
this, it is necessary to overcome barriers between individual sectors and scientific disciplines to jointly
develop cross‐sectoral strategies. The approach is based on the understanding that individual environmental resources are closely linked. If these relationships are taken into account, this can lead to greater resource efficiency, while environmental risks and ecological degradation may at the same time be minimised.

Dresden Nexus Conference 2020 – Circular Economy in a Sustainable Society
3–5 June 2020
Deutsches Hygiene‐Museum Dresden
Lingnerplatz 1
01069 Dresden, Germany

For further information and registration until 3 May 2020 (early bird registration until 15 March), visit the conference website.

View the press release in English and German

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