Sign In

Harald Friedl

Circular Economist | Motivational Speaker | "Inspiring 111 million"

Professional Background

Harald Friedl is a distinguished leader in the field of circular economy, dedicated to bridging the gap in awareness that is critical for accelerating the transition to sustainable practices worldwide. With a visionary approach, Harald has set an ambitious mission to inspire 111 million people about the importance and benefits of the circular economy. His career is marked by significant contributions to various organizations dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and collaborative leadership.

Throughout his professional journey, Harald has held several key positions that have enriched his expertise. He was the Founder and CEO of Green Leadership, where he spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting environmental responsibility among corporations and individuals. As the former Special Envoy for Circular Economy at the Austrian Climate Ministry, he played a crucial role in advising and implementing national strategies for sustainable economic practices.

His leadership experience extends to his tenure as CEO at Circle Economy, where he further advanced the principles of circular economy and worked on initiatives that provided businesses with actionable strategies to embrace sustainability. Harald's entrepreneurial spirit shines through his co-founding of Impact Hub Yangon, part of a global network aimed at cultivating impactful entrepreneurship in line with sustainable development goals. Additionally, he has a robust history of involvement with high-profile organizations such as the United Nations, where he served in various capacities including Chief of Staff for the UNDP Assistant Secretary General. His commitment to global cooperation and peace can be further seen in his role as Coordinator at the Myanmar Peace Center.

Education and Achievements

Harald’s educational background is a testament to his commitment to understanding complex global issues and developing innovative solutions. He holds a Master's degree in International Relations from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where he honed his analytical skills and developed a global perspective on policy-making. Pursuing further leadership training, he attended THNK School of Creative Leadership, focusing on innovation and design thinking, which has significantly influenced his approach to developing circular economy strategies.

In addition to his Master's degrees, Harald completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from the University of Alberta and a Master in Economics from the Vienna University of Commerce and Business Administration. This diverse academic foundation empowers him to navigate the intersections of business, economic theory, and international relations effectively.

Achievements

Harald Friedl's notable achievements reflect his dedication to the principles of circular economy and sustainable development. His four key objectives revolve around inspiring countries, businesses, and individuals to adopt sustainable habits and reconnect with nature:

  1. Global Adoption of Circular Economy Strategies: Harald is actively working to ensure that nations worldwide develop and implement actionable circular economy strategies. His efforts emphasize creating collaboration at multiple levels of governance and industry to foster sustainability.

  2. Empowering Businesses: By providing companies with tailored circular economy strategies, Harald aims to equip them with the tools needed to transition toward a sustainable operational model. His expertise helps businesses identify and implement practices that reduce waste and promote resource sharing.

  3. Making Circular Economy Tangible: Understanding that awareness is the first step toward change, Harald focuses on making the concept of circular economy relatable and practical for the general public. His initiatives include creating workshops, speaking engagements, and interactive campaigns that engage communities in the circular economy movement.

  4. Reconnecting People to Nature: Recognizing the disconnect many people feel from the natural environment, Harald advocates for initiatives that encourage individuals to reflect on their relationship with nature. His vision for a new “action agenda 2024” aims to inspire a collective movement toward sustainable living and environmental stewardship.

Further details about his initiatives can be explored at www.circulareconomist.earth. Through his work, Harald Friedl continues to be an influential figure in sustainability, leading the charge toward a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Highlights

Sep 5 · linkedin

Recycle cigarette butts? 🚬 70% smokers discard butts on ground 😣

Don't get me wrong: Priority Nr. 1 = eliminate smoking.

AND: Smoking is not only a huge health problem, it's also a humongous waste problem.

How to solve this? This is the question that inspired Bastien Lucas to create MéGO!

Here are 3 miraculous facts:

1️⃣ Waste to wonder: By melting and hardening cigarette butt plastic, MéGO! creates durable plates for furniture construction.

2️⃣ Massive impact: Since 2017, MéGO! has processed 35 tonnes of cigarette butts - that's 300 million butts recycled and 750 pieces of street furniture produced.

3️⃣ Behavioral change: This initiative aims to make smokers more responsible, addressing the 70% who still discard butts on the ground.

What other everyday waste can we transform into resources?

#circulareconomy #zerowaste #sustainability Credit: Explore Media

Sep 4 · linkedin

Fish waste🗑️. ➡️ New fashion 💃🏼 How circularity ♻️ changes lives in 🇰🇪 ?

Lake Victoria = the world's 2nd largest freshwater lake. But: The fishing industry is extractive and destructive. Seen it myself 1st hand on the ground.

🚨 Biodiversity loss: The introduction of the Nile perch has led to the decline of over 200 native fish species, drastically reducing biodiversity in the lake. 🚨Overfishing: The open-access nature of the fishery has resulted in chronic overfishing, threatening the sustainability of fish stocks. 🚨 Illegal practices: The use of illegal fishing methods, such as monofilament nets, exacerbates the depletion of fish populations.

There are other ways...😎

Inventor Newton Owino found a process to transform fish waste into products and fashion.

♻️ Newton converts fish skins into leather, creating sustainable fashion items. ♻️ Economic Impact: His enterprise not only reduces waste but also provides jobs and income for local communities. ♻️ Training Future Generations: Newton is committed to training young artisans, ensuring the sustainability of this eco-friendly craft.

I love circular entrepreneurship!

You?

#circulareconomy #innovation #linkedintopvoices

Related Questions

How did Harald Friedl develop his expertise in circular economy and sustainability?
What inspired Harald Friedl to set a mission to educate 111 million people about the circular economy?
In what ways has Harald Friedl’s educational background influenced his career in leadership and sustainability?
How did Harald Friedl transition from a career in journalism to becoming a prominent figure in the circular economy movement?
What are some specific collaborative initiatives that Harald Friedl has implemented to promote circular economy strategies?
How does Harald Friedl envision the future of the circular economy on a global scale?
What challenges does Harald Friedl identify in the current transition to a circular economy, and how does he address them?
In what ways does Harald Friedl aim to make the circular economy accessible and relatable to the general public?
Harald Friedl
Add to my network

Location

Austria