India to host World Circular Economy Forum in Gandhinagar

India will host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15 to 18, marking the first time the global forum is being held in South Asia.Held under the theme ‘Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity’, the four-day forum is expected to draw more than 2,000 participants from over 65 countries. Business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, policymakers, academicians and other stakeholders will participate in the event.
Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel will jointly inaugurate the forum on September 15,according to sources.The event is being jointly organised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Government of Finland, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Pollution Control Board.
Focus on Global Cooperation and Circular Finance
WCEF 2026 will highlight India’s efforts to advance circular economy practices while creating opportunities for international cooperation on sustainable production and consumption.A circular economy promotes the reuse, refurbishment and recycling of products and materials, helping bring resources back into the economic cycle instead of treating them as waste.The forum will strengthen global collaboration and provide greater opportunities for the Global South to participate in the circular economy transition. Discussions will also focus on mobilising circular finance, attracting private-sector investment and developing partnerships across sectors.Policy dialogue, innovation, digitalisation and technology-driven solutions for circularity will also feature prominently during the forum.
125+ Exhibitors to Showcase Circular Solutions
The September 15 and 16 programme will include four plenary sessions and 16 parallel thematic sessions. Key areas of discussion will include artificial intelligence, employment opportunities, energy production, finance, governance, sustainable products, industrial solutions, start-up ecosystems and youth leadership.An international exhibition featuring more than 125 national and international exhibitors will present circular economy solutions from start-ups and showcase investment-ready innovations.The expo will give participating stakeholders an opportunity to identify potential partnerships, explore new technologies and examine investment opportunities linked to circular economic models.
India to Co-Chair 10 YFP Board Meeting
Alongside WCEF 2026, the Board of the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10 YFP) will conduct an in-person meeting in Gandhinagar on September 15.India has recently taken on the role of Co-Chair of the 10 YFP Board, underlining its participation in international efforts to advance sustainable consumption and production.On September 17 and 18, global collaborators will conduct 80 accelerator sessions through online, hybrid and in-person formats in Gandhinagar and other locations across the world.
Forum to Conclude with Handover to Next Host
The closing ceremony will be attended by Gujarat Forests, Environment and Climate Change Minister Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia, Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala, Gujarat Minister of State for Forests and Environment and Climate Change Pravinbhai Mali, and other senior officials.The forum will conclude with the formal handover to the next host by Sitra’s Director of International Programmes Kristo Lehtonen.The introduction is now substantially different in structure and wording, while keeping the original facts intact.

(State Correspondent)