“What makes me hopeful is seeing how quickly innovation and collaboration can drive positive change when we bring the right stakeholders together. Through our initiatives at the Forum, I’ve witnessed how commitment from diverse partners can accelerate solutions to complex challenges, whether it’s advancing circular economy solutions or building climate resilience.”
–Fernando J. Gómez, Head, Resource Systems and Resilience; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum; Global CO2 Initiative Advisory Board Member
At the Center for Nature and Climate of the World Economic Forum, Fernando oversees programs in plastics pollution, the circular economy and societal resilience towards environmental risks. Through most of his Forum career, Fernando led the Chemical industry team and other related sectors programs. Fernando’s expertise includes partnerships for technology development, technology strategy, and corporate innovation. After his doctoral (University of Florida) and postdoctoral (Stanford) work in polymer chemistry, Fernando was at AkzoNobel in technical development and venture relations.
You have described the mission of The World Economic Forum as “Improving the State of the World.” What is your role in this mission?
I head the Resource Systems and Resilience program at the Forum’s Centre for Nature and Climate, where we work to transform how society uses and manages resources. Our team brings together leaders from business, government, and civil society to create solutions for critical challenges like plastic pollution, circular economy, and building resilience to environmental risks. By fostering collaboration and driving innovative solutions, we foster the development of more sustainable systems that benefit both people and the planet.
What is a very simple explanation of what you do?
Our team works with leading companies, governments and other groups in projects to use our planet’s resources more wisely. We support them in finding new ways to maintain a running economy, using less resources and in finding new ways to support society as we deal with environmental risks like climate change or pollution.
You have been with the WEF for nearly 15 years. What are some of the changes that you have seen?
Over the past 15 years, I have observed a significant shift in how businesses, governments, and society at large approach global challenges, particularly around environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Today, there is greater awareness among all stakeholders regarding the need for collective action on issues like climate change, resource management, and resilience-building. Businesses are not only expected to deliver financial returns but also to demonstrate positive societal and environmental impacts. The rise of homeland economics has underscored the importance of forging strong partnerships across sectors to address complex global issues.