Dr Adam Read MBE attends King’s International Sustainability Reception at Buckingham Palace
On Wednesday evening, leaders and decision makers from across industry, retailers, finance, NGOs, philanthropy, high profile international climate figures, academic thought leaders, Ministers, and Ambassadors descended on Buckingham Palace to come together to discuss the pressing issues facing our environment.
High-profile attendees included Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Dame Ellen MacArthur DBE, as well as influential figures from the resources and waste sector.
Leading figures from the public and private sectors congregated to discuss climate change and highlight progress and opportunities for collaboration on international sustainability issues, in advance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku starting 11 November, and the fifth round of Plastic Pollution Treaty negotiations (INC-5) in Busan starting 25 November.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) led an engaging discussion about ending plastic pollution, which was hosted in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Speaking about the event, Dr. Adam Read MBE, Chief External Affairs and Sustainability Officer, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be able to attend King Charles’s international sustainability reception at Buckingham Palace. It’s always inspiring to meet people and organisations that are making a significant difference to address climate change and circular economy delivery worldwide. The event was a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with sustainability enthusiasts, big business leaders, NGOs and foreign ambassadors to discuss common goals and priorities. It was also promising to have a brief discussion with King Charles III about learning from our European partners on sustainable waste management, and why DRS is an important step forward for UK resource management. Huge thanks to Defra for the opportunity to be in the room with so many world leading change-makers.”
Earlier this year Adam was recognised with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 for services to advancing the waste and resources agenda. Adam is a leading figure in our industry working tirelessly to support the advancement of the resources and waste management sector, and has played an instrumental role in its transition from its traditional roots to assume a vital position at the heart of the emerging circular economy.