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Uruguay
Overview
Uruguay has developed a national planning framework that mainstreams sustainability and emphasizes circular economy.
Uruguay ranks high in the Latin American region in terms of human development and opportunity and national progress is supported by institutional stability and inclusive social policies. In recent years, the government has integrated sustainable, inclusive and green development into its core pillars of economic development, setting ambitious goals for equality, environment and a diversified economy.
To drive this progress Uruguay strengthened policy frameworks with, for example, the preparation of a National Development Strategy – Uruguay 2050 (2019), a National Agenda of Infrastructure, and the National Environmental Plan for Sustainable Development (2019).
Uruguay ranks high in the Latin American region in terms of human development and opportunity and national progress is supported by institutional stability and inclusive social policies. In recent years, the government has integrated sustainable, inclusive and green development into its core pillars of economic development, setting ambitious goals for equality, environment and a diversified economy.
To drive this progress Uruguay strengthened policy frameworks with, for example, the preparation of a National Development Strategy — Uruguay 2050 (2019), a National Agenda of Infrastructure, and the National Environmental Plan for Sustainable Development (2019).
When Uruguay joined PAGE in 2017, work initially focused on strengthening the capacity of policymakers to assess environmental policies and use macroeconomic models, enhancing public-private collaboration, and broadening engagement and awareness on Inclusive Green Economy (IGE).
The country has more recently focused attention on the concept of circular economy, given its potential to generate new businesses and green jobs. PAGE has helped mainstream circular economy into the overarching programme Transforma Uruguay (also known as the National System of Productive Transformation and Competitiveness), created in 2016 with the purpose to promote productive transformation of the country’s economy and increase its competitiveness.
PAGE is also supporting Uruguay to operationalize this programme through the National Circular Economy Action Plan (2019), providing technical assistance and sectoral and thematic analysis in several areas.
Sustainable Development
PAGE activities in Uruguay are contributing towards the achievement of SDGs 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as well as Uruguay’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. PAGE was also selected as an example of action on SDG 17 as part of Uruguay’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) presented at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2019.
COVID-19 and Green Recovery
Uruguay submitted a proposal for additional PAGE support in its green recovery efforts in November 2020. PAGE assistance will focus on promoting a green recovery of the food and food services sectors, particularly for SMEs, through strengthening the enabling environment for sustainable consumption and production in food system SMEs within the green recovery. Activities will assess and identify market opportunities and barriers to recovery, education gaps, and prospects for green employment generation in the food and food services sectors; and develop an action plan and circular economy strategy to promote sustainable growth of the food and food services sector. PAGE will also support the digitalization of business processes of SMEs in the food industry and organize knowledge-sharing and training events on green chemistry and biotechnology in the food system.
PAGE Milestones
- 2017
PAGE launched in Uruguay
Planning workshop hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining to set the priorities for PAGE work
National Steering Committee established
- 2018
Analysis of available Macroeconomic Models to be used for Uruguay’s Environmental Policy Impact Assessment completed
PAGE supported the Director of the Office of Planning and Budget to present the Voluntary National Review for Uruguay at the High-Level Political Forum in New York
Learning needs workshop held in Montevideo with more than 50 participants
Training course on the analysis of international markets for waste products within global value chains
Reports produced on the artisanal brick industry, highlighting shortcomings in working conditions
- 2019
First Circular Economy Award for Latin America and the Caribbean held in Uruguay
National Development Strategy Uruguay 2050 officially announced, including environmental components supported by PAGE
National Circular Economy Action Plan published
Work commenced on institutionalizing green economy training into the curricula of the National Institute for Employment and Professional Training
National Environmental Plan for Sustainable Development approved
- 2020
Workshop conducted in collaboration with BioValor Project for primary school teachers in Summer School of Plan Ceibal
New government authorities take office
Virtual breakfast meeting held to disseminate national IGE advances, jointly with GIZ and the Inter-institutional Working Group
Green Economy Learning Assessment and Capacity-Building Plan completed
Circular Opportunities Sectoral Fund launched as part of the “Uruguay Circular Program’
Second Uruguay Circular Award Ceremony held by PAGE
Sustainable Entrepreneurship Training Programme for youth held in collaboration with GIZ and DESEM
Progress in 2020: A Snapshot
National engagement
New government authorities took office in March 2020, and PAGE established a new working relationship with the administration and […]
New government authorities took office in March 2020, and PAGE established a new working relationship with the administration and reengaged on PAGE priorities in Uruguay. Together with GIZ and the Inter-institutional Working Group on the Green and Inclusive Economy (GIT), PAGE organized a virtual working breakfast on 25 March to present results on national progress and present the framework to date of PAGE Uruguay. The 80 participants included the National Director of Industries, the National Director of the Environment, the National Director of Energy, the Director of the National Institute for Employment and Vocational Training and the Former Undersecretary of Industry, Energy and Mining.
Circular economy awards
The first Circular Award ceremony was held in 2019, and building on its initial success, PAGE Uruguay held the second Uruguay Circular Award […]
The first Circular Award ceremony was held in 2019, and building on its initial success, PAGE Uruguay held the second Uruguay Circular Award event on 28 October 2020. The Award offers public recognition to companies, entrepreneurs, communities and educational institutions whose processes, products or services advance circular economy principles and methods. Five winners were recognised as contributing to the country’s transition to a circular economy through various initiatives — for example, through the generation of biomaterials from edible mushrooms and agro-industrial waste; a circular certification that recognizes improvements in environmentally friendly production processes; and the recycling of used tyres and tubes.
Additionally, PAGE Uruguay is supporting the Oportunidades Circulares programme (Circular Opportunities Sectoral Fund), supporting studies to identify opportunities and provide a diagnosis of the circularity within sectors. Launched in August 2020, studies will focus on eco-design, green chemical, repairs or actions aimed at sectors affected by the COVID-19 crisis or those promoting recovery actions and selected projects will begin implementation in early 2021.
Evaluating circular economy
A study is underway to design and implement a monitoring and evaluation system for the National Circular Economy Plan, which is expected […]
A study is underway to design and implement a monitoring and evaluation system for the National Circular Economy Plan, which is expected to be finalized in April 2021. A workshop was held in November 2020 where the work planning for the development of the monitoring and evaluation system was presented to the inter-institutional group for approval.
Green Economy Learning Assessment
In May 2020, the Green Economy Learning Assessment and Capacity Building Plan were completed. The Plan proposes trainings and […]
In May 2020, the Green Economy Learning Assessment and Capacity Building Plan were completed. The Plan proposes trainings and workshops focused on different audiences, including public officials at the national and sub-national levels and small and medium enterprises. An inter-institutional group has been created to support the implementation from 2021 and PAGE has already begun supporting areas highlighted in the plan within ecotourism and agroecology, and more generally, training for trainers.
Entrepreneurship training for youth
PAGE and GIZ developed a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Training Programme for youth in collaboration with the youth entrepreneurship […]
PAGE and GIZ developed a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Training Programme for youth in collaboration with the youth entrepreneurship foundation, DESEM. The training programme took place in October 2020, featuring the participation from 60 young people between the ages of 18 to 29. Workshops were focused on sustainable management, natural resources optimization and climate change positive practices.