Shaping Circular Futures: KTH at International Conference in Sri Lanka
KTH joined the global sustainability dialogue at the International Conference on Circular Economy and Sustainable Ecosystems, held in Sri Lanka on December 11 2025. The event was launched following the successful completion of the EU-funded EUSL capacity-building project (2020–2023), where KTH played an active role.
Representing KTH, Jeevan Jayasuriya delivered a keynote titled “Education for a Circular Future: Lessons from Sweden for a Sustainable Sri Lanka.” The keynote emphasized the transformative role of education in advancing the circular economy and building a sustainable future. Drawing on Sweden’s experience – where sustainability is embedded across early schooling, vocational training, and higher education, the keynote showcased how knowledge, values, and behavioural change can drive systemic transformation beyond technological solutions.
Sweden’s model highlights experiential learning, cross-sector collaboration, and “living labs” that empower students and communities to co-create practical circular solutions. Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s cultural strengths of simplicity, community, and respect for nature, the keynote explored opportunities to integrate circular principles into curricula, strengthen partnerships between academia, industry, and government, and foster citizen engagement.
As a leading example, KTH demonstrates how sustainability could be embedded across all levels of education and research, inspiring systemic change and offering a model that Sri Lanka could adapt and follow.
👉 Interested in exploring partnerships that leverage education to drive circular innovation? Reach out to our team!
