India would host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026, at Gandhinagar (Gujarat) on 15th-18th September, 2026. A First for South Asia, the forum would be jointly inaugurated on the 15th by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, and Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel. The forum would be organised under the theme 'Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity'. Other dignitaries to grace the inaugural session would include Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change (Gujarat), Shri Arjunbhai Modhwadia; Ambassador of Finland to India, H.E. Mr. Mikko Kivikoski; Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (Netherlands), Ms. Marieke Spijkerboer, along with senior officials from the Government of India and Government of Gujarat.

Circularity focuses on reusing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products and looping them back into the economy as valuable resources. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is leading a major transformation in environmental governance, moving toward a modern circular economy. The event is being jointly organized by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Government of Finland, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB).

The objective of WCEF 2026 is to showcase India’s initiatives for promoting circularity and enhancing international cooperation. The event would witness participation of over 2000 cross-sectoral stakeholders from 65+ countries, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, policymakers, academicians, changemakers and others. The forum will enable global collaboration and greater engagement with the Global South; facilitate mobilising of circular finance and private-sector investment; encourage policy dialogue and cross-sectoral partnerships; while advancing innovation, digitalisation and technology for circularity.

On 15th–16th September 2026, the forum would feature 4 plenaries and 16 parallel thematic sessions on application of AI, employment potential, energy production, finance, governance, sustainable products, industrial solutions, start-up ecosystem and youth leadership. Further at the event, an expo featuring 125+ national and international exhibitors would showcase practical circular solutions developed by start-ups and investment-ready innovations.

On the sidelines of WCEF, the Board of 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10 YFP) would hold its in person meeting, on 15th September at Gandhinagar. India has recently assumed the role of Co-Chair of 10 YFP Board, reflecting its long standing leadership in promoting sustainable consumption and production. On 17th–18th September 2026, global collaborators will independently organize 80 accelerator sessions online/hybrid and in person at Gandhinagar and other locations worldwide.

The closing ceremony would be graced by the presence of Minister for Forests, Environment and Climate Change (Gujarat), Shri Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia. Dignitaries expected on the occasion would include Minister of Climate and the Environment (Finland), Ms. Sari Multala; Minister of State for Forests and Environment, Climate Change (Gujarat), Shri Pravinbhai Mali; Director, International Programmes, SITRA, Mr. Kristo Lehtonen, along with senior government officials from the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. The ceremony will conclude with a formal handover to the next host by the Director, International Programme of SITRA, with a message that embracing circular economy principles, the world can shape a global economy that is more sustainable, resilient and prosperous.

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