Introduction

The 12^th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific has been inaugurated today in Jaipur, India, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation for sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives. This Forum provides a critical platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to discuss and implement sustainable solutions for waste management and resource efficiency. As economies in the Asia-Pacific region experience rapid urbanization and industrialization, the need for a shift towards a circular economy model has never been more urgent.

The Forum will focus on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R), aiming to create a roadmap for sustainable production and consumption patterns. Through insightful discussions, policy recommendations, and collaborative partnerships, the Forum will help strengthen global and regional commitments with a focus on resource efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

The last Forum was hosted in 2023 by Cambodia. India has previously hosted the Forum in 2018, when the 8^th edition was held in Indore.

Inauguration of the 2025 Forum

The inaugural session of the 2025 Forum was attended by the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Further, international dignitaries of countries like Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Maldives and Japan also joined the session. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared a special written message with the delegates of the Forum emphasising that India follows & strongly advocates the P-3 (Pro Planet People) approach. He has also mentioned that India has always been more than willing to share it experiences and learnings in its journey towards Circular Economy.

Taking forward PM Modi’s vision, the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.

Further, during the event, a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was signed, marking a significant milestone in urban sustainability initiatives. CITIIS 2.0 is a flagship initiative driving integrated waste management and climate action. The Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs announced that agreements worth ₹1,800 crores will be signed under this initiative, benefiting 18 cities across 14 states, and serving as lighthouse projects for other urban areas.

History of the High-Level Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific

The Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was launched in 2009 to promote sustainable waste management, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles across the region. Recognizing the environmental challenges posed by rapid economic growth, resource depletion, and rising waste generation, the Forum has served as a key platform for policy dialogue and capacity building. A major milestone was the adoption of the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which outlined 33 voluntary goals for shifting towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy. Over the years, the Forum has played a crucial role in aligning regional efforts with global sustainability commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).

Building on the momentum of past initiatives, the new 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034) aims to catalyze transformational changes in resource and waste management. The Forum continues to support multi-stakeholder collaboration, particularly in tackling plastic pollution through initiatives such as the negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty. With Asia-Pacific accounting for the largest share of global material use, the Forum emphasizes the region’s pivotal role in achieving carbon neutrality, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

Key Details of the 2025 Forum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Forum will feature high-level plenary sessions, technical discussions, roundtables and knowledge-sharing opportunities to explore innovative policies, practices, institutional arrangements and technologies. A curtain-raiser event was organized on 24 February 2025 at the National Media Centre, New Delhi as a precursor to the main Forum.

Objectives of the 2025 Forum

The Forum serves as a collaborative platform to:

• Promote circular economy principles for sustainable resource use.
• Discuss circular economy policies and practices to accelerate achievement of the SDGs.
• Discuss how circular economy strategies can be integrated into national and regional policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero targets.
• Discuss how to strengthen regional cooperation and foster collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to accelerate the transition from traditional linear economy to more resource efficient and circular societies across Asia-Pacific.
• Discuss challenges (policy regulatory gaps, financial barriers, infrastructure gaps, technological limitations) and opportunities in addressing circular economy principles for various sectors and waste streams.
• Discuss and agree a new voluntary and legally non-binding 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034) for achieving resource efficient, clean, resilient, sound material cycle and low-carbon society in Asia and the Pacific.
• Discuss and pave way towards realization of a Circular Economy Alliance Network (CEAN) towards Zero Waste Cities and Societies - a digital multi-faceted collaboration platform involving key stakeholders – government (national and local), private and industry sector, including MSMEs, academic and research institutions, donors and development banks, and NGOs, among others, in support of the effective implementation of the new 3R and Circular Economy Declaration for Asia and the Pacific (2025-2034).

Participants in the 2025 Forum

Participation in the Forum is by invitation only. Approximately 500 delegates will be participating, including 300 international and 200 local participants. These will include:

1. High level government representatives from Asia-Pacific countries and policy makers from relevant Indian Ministries such as Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Local Government, etc.
2. City Mayors/Local Government representatives.
3. Experts and international resource persons, including representatives of scientific and Research and Development (R&D) institutions in the areas of 3R/resource efficiency/waste management/life cycle assessment and management.
4. Representatives of the UN and international organizations, including international financial institutions, multi-lateral development banks and donor agencies.
5. Representatives of the private and business sector and NGOs etc.

Key Theme and Discussion Points

The key points to be discussed include:

1. Policy and Governance

Effective governance is key to achieving a successful circular economy. The Forum will examine the role of governments in fostering an enabling environment for sustainability.

2. Technological Innovations in Waste Management

Advancements in technology can play a transformative role in achieving sustainability goals. This segment will highlight new and emerging technologies in waste management.

3. Financing Circular Economy and 3R Initiatives

A successful circular economy transition requires strong financial backing. The discussion will revolve around investment opportunities and sustainable financing models.

4. Circular Economy for Climate Action

The Forum will explore how circular economy initiatives can contribute to climate resilience and emissions reduction.

Highlights at the 2025 Forum

1. Delegates will have an opportunity to undertake technical field visits to the solid and liquid waste management facilities and visit key heritage sites in Jaipur.
2. A dedicated ‘India Pavilion’ will showcase India’s remarkable initiatives and achievements in the 3R and circular economy domain. This Pavilion will feature exhibitions from key line ministries and national missions, reflecting India’s whole-of-government approach to sustainable development. It will also serve as a hub for interactive knowledge-sharing, with sessions such as the ‘Ministers & Ambassadors Roundtable Dialogue,’ ‘Mayors’ Dialogue,’ ‘Policy Dialogue’ and the signing of agreements under the CITIIS 2.0 program.
3. Multiple launches of knowledge products will take place at the Forum including a compendium of over 100 best practices put together by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
4. The Forum will host an international ‘3R trade and technology exhibition’, providing a platform for over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups to showcase best practices, ideas and solutions that support circularity and 3R principles while encouraging cross-learning.
5. ‘Waste-to-wealth’ initiatives by NGOs and self-help groups across India will also be showcased at the Forum promoting sustainability-driven entrepreneurship and community engagement.

India's Leadership in Circular Economy and 3R Policies

India has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable development and circular economy principles. The country has implemented several landmark policies and initiatives aimed at addressing waste management challenges. Some of the key initiatives include:

• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-U) – Strengthening urban waste management with 3R principles. Under SBM-U, India has achieved 108.62% success in household toilet construction, where the mission target was 58,99,637 and the constructed number stands at 63,74,355 as of 27 February 2025. Further 80.29% of solid waste in India is being processed successfully.
• GOBAR-Dhan Scheme – Promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives through biogas and organic waste processing. This scheme currently covers 67.8% of total number of districts in India, with 1008 biogas plants being fully operational as of 27 February 2025.
• E-Waste Management Rules (2022) – Strengthening circular economy practices in electronic waste disposal. As of December 2024, for FY 2024-25, the quantity of e-waste collected and recycled stood at 5,82,769 MT and 5,18,240 MT respectively. The quantity of e-waste collected and recycled in the FY 2023-24 were 7,98,493 MT and 7,68,406 MT respectively.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic – Encouraging industries to take accountability for plastic waste. India banned single use plastic on 1^st July 2022.

Conclusion

The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur is a landmark Forum that will shape the future of waste management and circular economy strategies in Asia and the Pacific. As economies in the region seek sustainable solutions to address growing environmental challenges, this Forum will provide a critical avenue for knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and policy advocacy.

By fostering cross-sectoral collaborations, discussing innovative policy approaches, and advancing 3R principles, the Forum will contribute significantly to achieving a zero-waste and circular economy-driven future. The discussions and commitments made at this Forum will not only guide policy implementation but also drive investments in sustainable infrastructure and technological innovations.

References

https://uncrd.un.org/sites/uncrd.un.org//files/20240806_lldcs-consultation_p2-uncrd.pdf

https://3rcefindia.sbmurban.org/

https://uncrd.un.org/content/12th-3r-ce-Forum

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105805

https://uncrd.un.org/sites/uncrd.un.org//files/12th-3r-ce_draft-concecpt-note_prov-programme_24feb2025.pdf

https://x.com/MoHUA_India/status/1894002736670056803

https://gobardhan.sbm.gov.in/state-biogas

https://sbmurban.org/

https://greentribunal.gov.in/sites/default/files/news_updates/Report%20of%20CPCB%20in%20EA%20No.%2004%20of%202024%20IN%20OA%20No.%20512%20of%202018%20(Shailesh%20Singh%20Vs.%20State%20of%20U.P%20&%20Ors.).pdf

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2107712

Kindly find the pdf file 

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Santosh Kumar | Ritu Kataria | Rishita Aggarwal

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