India and Finland Host World Circular Economy Forum 2026

The Government of India and the Government of Finland are hosting the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Held from September 15 to 16 at Mahatma Mandir, the event marks the first time the forum has been staged in South Asia. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel jointly inaugurated the forum under the theme 'Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.'

The forum brings together over 2,000 stakeholders from more than 65 countries to discuss the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of materials to enhance economic value. The agenda includes four plenary sessions and 16 thematic sessions focusing on circular finance, international cooperation, and the role of AI in energy generation. An accompanying expo features more than 125 exhibitors.

In addition to the main forum, the Board of the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10 YFP) is holding an in-person meeting in Gandhinagar, where India serves as Co-Chair. Following the primary event, 80 Accelerator Sessions will be conducted in hybrid formats from September 17 to 18. The forum is jointly organized by the Indian and Finnish governments, the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra), the Central Pollution Control Board, and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board.