New Delhi, 14 June (H.S.):

India will host the 10th edition of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) for the first time, marking the forum’s debut in South Asia. The global event is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15 to 18 and is expected to bring together world leaders, policymakers, businesses and sustainability experts to advance solutions for sustainable development and resource efficiency.

The inaugural session is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several international leaders, particularly from countries of the Global South, are also expected to participate in the four-day forum.

The primary objective of the event is to showcase innovative circular economy solutions that can help secure prosperity, resilience and sustainable growth amid growing global challenges, resource constraints and economic uncertainty.

WCEF 2026 is being jointly organised by Finland’s innovation fund, Sitra, and India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The forum is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and will be hosted in coordination with the Government of Gujarat, along with several Indian and international partners.

Expressing concern over current global trends, Kari Herlevi, Director of Sitra’s Global Circular Economy Programme, said resource sufficiency has become a major concern for policymakers in both developed and developing nations. He noted that rising geopolitical conflicts have increased living costs across many regions, while the prevailing “take-make-dispose” economic model continues to waste vast amounts of valuable resources.

According to recent findings released by the Dutch Foundation Circle Economy, the world loses nearly 30 trillion dollars annually because of the existing linear economic system, in which resources are extracted, used once and discarded rather than reused or recycled.

The theme of WCEF 2026 is “Circular Economy: Transforming for People and Prosperity.” The forum aims to unite communities, businesses, governments and innovators from around the world to develop practical pathways toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.

India has already emerged as a strong advocate of sustainable lifestyles through its Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, a global movement that encourages individuals and communities to adopt environmentally responsible habits. The country is also promoting circular economy principles through initiatives such as the 3R framework—Reduce, Reuse and Recycle—and the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The first two days of the forum will feature main-stage discussions and thematic sessions designed by co-hosts and partners. The final two days will be dedicated to “Accelerator Sessions,” which will focus on scaling practical solutions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

A large-scale exhibition showcasing some of the most innovative circular economy solutions from India and around the world will also be organised alongside the forum.

For the first time, organisers have introduced an open call for both Accelerator Sessions and exhibition participation. Applications for Accelerator Sessions have already opened, while applications for hosting exhibits are expected to begin later in June.

The forum is expected to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in the circular economy sector and provide a significant platform for promoting sustainable growth, responsible consumption and resource efficiency on the international stage.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar