What we do

The WRF aims to bring the issues of global resource consumption and resource productivity higher on the agenda of policymakers and business leaders. Aspects covered by the WRF include the scarcity and security of supply as well as the price risks of certain resources. The issues of pollution and energy use over the life-cycle of certain resources but also their social impact – in particular in developing countries – are topics examined by the WRF as well.

The WRF is set up as an association, with a General Assembly and Board. The WRF Secretariat, based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, is responsible for the coordination and organisation of the following activities:

  • Flagship activity is the organisation of the annual WRF Conference, which usually takes place in the fall and brings together science, research, policymakers and industry. The programme usually includes a series of high-level keynotes, parallel sessions and targeted workshops as well as special side events. In 2011 the Conference was held in Davos, Switzerland, and had over 400 participants from more than 40 countries. In 2012 it will be held in Beijing from October 14-17, 2012.
     
  • Awareness raising about global resource issues is achieved through the conferences and by the dissemination of their results. These are voiced in other fora such as the Rio+20 Earth Summit and are published in renowned publications. The Association attaches great importance to the engagement of the larger public and uses the social media for that purpose.
     
  • As an inter-link between research, industry and policymaking, the WRF puts a very strong emphasis on the facilitation of networking in order to optimise the transfer of knowledge between the different stakeholders. For that purpose, special events are organised and connections to key leaders can be established through the WRF Secretariat.
     
  • The WRF capacity building activities include, for instance, actively supporting the participation of scientists from developing countries, as well as facilitating the participation of young people (see for example the youth programme of the 2011 WRF Conference).

The WRF does not conduct its own research, the WRF does not lobby or express political statements, but rather helps others to do so, by clearly expressing, documenting and laying the foundations for an increased sense of urgency in the society at large.

Recent Activities