India Plans First South Asia Circular Forum
India Plans First South Asia Circular Forum
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Key Points
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Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel are scheduled to jointly inaugurate the forum on September 15.
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The forum’s first two days are planned to include four plenary sessions and 16 thematic sessions, followed by 80 accelerator sessions on September 17 and 18 in hybrid, online and in-person formats involving locations beyond Gandhinagar.
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The Board of the United Nations’ 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, which is co-chaired by India, will meet alongside the forum.
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The forum is jointly organised by India’s Central Pollution Control Board and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the Government of Finland, the Government of Gujarat and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board.
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The inaugural programme is expected to include Finland’s ambassador to India, Mikko Kivikoski, and Marieke Spijkerboer of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, alongside Indian and Gujarat government officials.
India is hosting the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15 to 18 — the first time this major global event comes to South Asia. News on Air reports that more than 2,000 policymakers, businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs from over 65 countries will gather under the theme
The forum tackles pressing questions about how economies can shift toward reuse, refurbishment, and recycling. Manorama Yearbook notes the agenda spans industrial production, product design, energy, employment, finance, and digital technology — with an exhibition featuring 125+ Indian and international exhibitors showcasing startups and investment-ready innovations.
India's Role in Shifting Global Economies Toward Sustainability
India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will jointly inaugurate the forum on September 15. GK Today confirms this marks the 10th edition of the World Circular Economy Forum and the first held in South Asia, signaling India's growing leadership in sustainable development.
The forum's backers span India's Central Pollution Control Board, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Finland's government, and Gujarat's state officials. Newsable notes delegates will include Finland's ambassador to India, Mikko Kivikoski, and representatives from the Netherlands' Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.
Forum Schedule: From Plenaries to Accelerator Sessions Across India
The first two days will feature four plenary sessions and 16 thematic discussions on circular business models and innovation. News on Air reports that September 17 and 18 will host 80 accelerator sessions in hybrid, online, and in-person formats across locations beyond Gandhinagar, giving startups direct access to investors and policymakers.
UN Sustainable Consumption Framework Convenes Alongside the Forum
The Board of the United Nations' 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns will meet during the forum. India co-chairs this UN board, positioning the nation to coordinate global action on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing across developing economies.
Exhibition Showcases 125+ Innovations Seeking Private Capital Investment
The forum's exhibition will display startups and circular-economy solutions from Indian and international exhibitors, many actively seeking funding. Manorama Yearbook says organizers aim to mobilize private capital for circular-economy projects and strengthen engagement with the Global South — helping developing nations adopt sustainable production and consumption models at scale.
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