GANDHINAGAR: Gandhinagar is set to host the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 from September 15 to 18. The event marks the forum’s first edition in South Asia. Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are jointly organising WCEF2026. India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change supports the forum. The Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Pollution Control Board are also supporting the event. Global and Indian partners, including the United Nations Environment Programme, are collaborating on the programme.
Global leaders to discuss circular economy
WCEF2026 will bring together business leaders, investors, policymakers and innovators from across the world. The forum carries the theme “Circular economy: Transition for people and prosperity.” The main forum will take place on September 15 and 16. It will feature four plenary sessions and 16 parallel sessions. More than 60 accelerator sessions will follow on September 17 and 18. The event will also feature an exhibition of circular economy solutions from India and other countries.
Finland’s climate minister to attend
Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment, Sari Multala, will participate in WCEF2026. She will deliver an address during the official closing ceremony on September 16. Multala will also attend Finland Day on September 17. The programme will bring Finnish and Indian companies, investors and policymakers together at The Leela Gandhinagar. The Finland Day programme will focus on four areas. These include circular maritime systems, sustainable ports, energy and the built environment. Circular sports infrastructure and emerging technologies will also feature in the programme.
Finland and India explore business partnerships
Finland Day will include high-level keynotes and four sector-focused sessions. Each sector session will connect with themed B2B networking opportunities. An afternoon accelerator session will focus on international development financing for circular economy businesses. ADB Ventures and the World Bank Group will support the financing-focused session. The programme will conclude with an evening networking reception.
Circular economy gains global importance
WCEF2026 comes as countries face growing concerns over resource security. According to WCEF partner Circle Economy, the global economy loses more than USD 25 trillion in value each year across product lifecycles and value chains. The global economy remains only around 7% circular, according to the information shared by the organisers. A recent UN International Resource Panel report also estimates annual virgin material use at more than 13 tonnes per person.
Finland strengthens circular economy cooperation with India
Finland has played a key role in developing the global circular economy agenda. Sitra launched the World Circular Economy Forum in 2017. Finland also published its circular economy roadmap in 2016. The roadmap was the first of its kind globally, according to the Embassy of Finland. The Embassy has also supported outreach to Indian industry ahead of WCEF2026. This included the India Circular Economy Forum 2026 in New Delhi in August. Finland-India cooperation featured prominently during a dedicated day at that event. Dr Antti Herlevi, Counsellor for Trade and Investments at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, highlighted the economic importance of circularity. He said circular economy should not be viewed only as an environmental agenda. He also pointed to opportunities for Finnish companies to work with Indian partners. More than 100 Finnish companies already operate in India across sectors such as clean energy, waste management, recycling, digital solutions and sustainable design, according to the Embassy.
India highlights Mission LiFE and 3Rs
India’s participation in WCEF2026 builds on its Mission LiFE initiative. The country’s 3Rs approach — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle — also supports the circular economy agenda. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan further strengthens India’s focus on sustainable resource use and waste management. WCEF2026 is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration between Indian and international stakeholders. Online participation is open to everyone and is free of charge.
