India to host World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar from September 15
World Circular Economy Forum 2026 will bring together 2,000+ stakeholders from 65+ countries in Gandhinagar to advance circular finance, innovation, digitalisation and cross-sector partnerships.
The forum will be organised under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity” and will bring together more than 2,000 stakeholders from over 65 countries.
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.
The forum will be organised under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity” and will bring together more than 2,000 stakeholders from over 65 countries.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel will jointly inaugurate the forum on September 15.
Global platform for circular economy
WCEF 2026 aims to showcase India’s initiatives on circularity while strengthening international cooperation and engagement with the Global South.
The forum will focus on mobilising circular finance and private-sector investment, promoting policy dialogue and cross-sector partnerships, and advancing innovation, digitalisation and technology for circularity.
Circular economy practices focus on reusing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products and returning them to the economy as valuable resources.
The event is being jointly organised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Government of Finland, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB).
125+ exhibitors to showcase solutions
The September 15–16 programme will feature four plenary sessions and 16 parallel thematic sessions covering areas including artificial intelligence, employment potential, energy production, finance, governance, sustainable products, industrial solutions, startups and youth leadership.
An international expo will feature more than 125 national and international exhibitors, showcasing practical circular economy solutions developed by startups and investment-ready innovations.
Focus on sustainable consumption and production
The Board of the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10 YFP) will hold its in-person meeting in Gandhinagar on September 15 on the sidelines of WCEF.
India has recently assumed the role of Co-Chair of the 10 YFP Board, which the government said reflects its long-standing engagement in promoting sustainable consumption and production.
On September 17–18, global collaborators will organise 80 accelerator sessions in online, hybrid and in-person formats at Gandhinagar and other locations worldwide.
International participation
The closing ceremony will be attended by Gujarat Minister for Forests, Environment and Climate Change Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia. Other expected dignitaries include Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala, Gujarat Minister of State for Forests and Environment and Climate Change Pravinbhai Mali, and Sitra Director, International Programmes, Kristo Lehtonen.
The forum will conclude with a formal handover to the next host, with organisers highlighting circular economy principles as a pathway towards a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous global economy.
