World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) On the occasion of the 2018 High-Level Political Forum and the in-depth review of SDG 12, the Sustainable Tourism and Sustainable Buildings and Construction programmes of the One Planet Network, together with UN Environment, as well as the governments of Bhutan, Botswana, Finland and Mexico, are organizing an official side-event to showcase how circular economy solutions in the tourism and construction sectors can accelerate the shift to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and the implementation of SDG 12 while contributing to sustainable and resilient societies. If we are to preserve our One Planet while taking into account social and economic considerations, we need to make fundamental changes in the way we produce and consume goods and services as reflected in the Agenda 2030. Accelerating the shift to SCP as set in SDG 12 is everyone’s responsibility and also an opportunity to advance other connected SDGs, given its cross-cutting nature. In line with SDG Target 12.1., large economic sectors such as tourism and construction are involved in the implementation of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (rebranded One Planet network). In view of their impact and outreach, tourism and construction can make an essential contribution to decouple growth from the use of natural resources by avoiding compromising the environment while ensuring sustainable growth and opportunities for societies. A key approach to address this challenge is circularity, a concept which explores opportunities to move from linear to circular SCP patterns. Circularity promotes closed material loops and enhanced resource efficiency along with reduced pollution levels while tackling climate change mitigation with a system-wide approach along within sectoral value chains and across the traditional sectors. Embracing circularity implies robust measurement and monitoring of the sustainable development impacts of economic activities and a constant rethinking and optimizing of performance though the use of innovation and cost-effective technologies. In the side-event, the panelists will discuss innovative solutions and good practices to build upon for making further progress on SDG12, as well as lessons learned. For more information on the side-event, please go to the link: http://sdt.unwto.org/event/high-level-political-forum-sustainable-development-side-event-tourism-construction-circular-ec