Gandhinagar: India is set to host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15 to 18, marking the first time the global forum will be held in South Asia.
Organised under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity,” the forum will bring together governments, businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers and innovators to strengthen international cooperation on circularity.
2,000+ Participants From 65+ Countries to Attend
More than 2,000 stakeholders from over 65 countries are expected to participate in WCEF 2026. The forum will focus on building partnerships across sectors and accelerating investment and innovation in the circular economy.
Key objectives include:
- Mobilising circular finance and private-sector investment
- Strengthening policy dialogue and cross-sector partnerships
- Promoting innovation, digitalisation and technology
- Expanding collaboration with the Global South
- Supporting sustainable products and industrial solutions
The forum will be jointly organised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of Gujarat, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the Government of Finland.
125+ Exhibitors to Showcase Circular Solutions
The September 15–16 programme will feature four plenaries and 16 parallel thematic sessions covering areas including artificial intelligence, employment, energy production, finance, governance, sustainable products, industrial solutions, startups and youth leadership.
An international expo will feature more than 125 exhibitors, including startups and innovators showcasing practical and investment-ready circular economy solutions.
India Takes Co-Chair Role in Sustainable Consumption Framework
A Board meeting of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10 YFP) will also be held in Gandhinagar on September 15 on the sidelines of WCEF.
India has recently assumed the role of Co-Chair of the 10 YFP Board, reflecting its participation in global efforts on sustainable consumption and production.
The forum will also see 80 accelerator sessions organised by global collaborators on September 17–18 in online, hybrid and in-person formats across Gandhinagar and other locations worldwide.
Forum to Conclude With Host Handover
The WCEF 2026 closing ceremony will be attended by Gujarat Environment Minister Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia, Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala, Gujarat Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravinbhai Mali, and senior officials from India, Finland and Sitra.
The ceremony will conclude with the formal handover to the next host, marking the continuation of the global forum’s focus on advancing circular economy practices worldwide.
