On Monday, June 5th, Professor Phoebe Koundouri was invited as a speaker at the World Environment Day Virtual Symposium, organized by The Green Institute, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. The symposium aimed to bring together experts, policymakers, and the public to discuss and address the pressing issue of plastic pollution and promote green initiatives. This year’s World Environment Day theme, #OfficiallyGreen, emphasizes the importance of committing to being environmentally conscious and taking official steps to #BeatPlasticPollution.
Professor Koundouri participated in the panel titled “Session Four Economics” which focused on the Green Economy and Sustainable Development, Environmental Economics and Market-Based Approaches to Plastic Pollution Reduction, Economics of Climate Change and Sustainability, Cost-Benefit Analysis of Plastic Pollution Mitigation Strategies.
During her speech on the topic of “Sustainability Transformation: Economy, Society, Environment”, Professor Koundouri mentioned the key principles and approaches necessary for achieving a sustainable transformation across the economy, society, and the environment and highlighted some of the most promising and innovative solutions and strategies that foster this harmonious interaction between human activities and nature.
Recognizing the critical role of the Green and Digital Transition in sustainable development, Professor Koundouri discussed effective methods to integrate these transitions to ensure a balanced and inclusive transformation towards a climate-neutral economy. She emphasized the need for governments, businesses, and individuals to collaborate and navigate the challenges and opportunities arising from this transition to achieve sustainable outcomes.
The symposium was moderated by Dr. Jason McSparren, Vice-President of Research and Grant Writing at the Green Institute in the United States. Speakers included Professor Ian Thomson, Director of The Centre for Responsible Business at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, and Ms. Achenyo (Ache) Idachaba-Obaro, Founder of Mitimeth in Nigeria.