The World Circular Economy Forum heads to India in September to strengthen resilience in turbulent times

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) will be held for the first time in South Asia this year. The event will take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, from 15th to 18th September. The tenth edition of WCEF places India at the forefront of scaling circular economy solutions that address the challenges of a resource constrained world. WCEF2026 will be organised jointly by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, in coordination with Government of Gujarat and in collaboration with global and Indian partners.

“The adequacy of resources has become a major concern for policymakers both in Western countries and in the Global South, albeit with different priorities. Amid current global conflicts, the cost of living is rising in many parts of the world. At the same time, the prevailing linear economy on which our modern economy is based, wastes enormous amounts of resources”, says Kari Herlevi, Director of the Global circular economy programme at the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. Sitra is the initiator of WCEF.

The world loses nearly US$30 trillion each year because it uses resources in accordance with the linear economy—most often only once. This recent figure comes from the Circle Economy, a Dutch foundation partnering with WCEF.

This year’s forum theme will be ”Circular economy: Transition for people and prosperity”, engaging communities and businesses all over the world to build a successful future together. In this direction, India, through its Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative is leading a global mass movement to nudge individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. India is also promoting circular economy principles through initiatives such as 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and thereby strengthening sustainable development and resource efficiency.

WCEF2026 provides a critical platform to showcase scalable solutions, foster global partnerships and position India as a leader in driving the circular economy transition.

The forum’s programme and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks on WCEF2026.com.

The programme will consist of two days of the main forum, curated by the co-hosts and partners, and two days of accelerator sessions by collaborators, plus an expo showcasing best circular solutions from India and around the world. This year, for the first time, there will be an open call for both the expo area and the accelerator sessions. The call for accelerator sessions is now open, and the call for expo area hosts is expected to be launched later in June.

Media Contacts

Tuula Sjöstedt, WCEF Communications Manager, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, tuula.sjostedt@sitra.fi, tel. +358 50 373 8601

Samuli Laita, Media liaison of the WCEF, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, samuli.laita@sitra.fi, tel. +358 40 536 8650 (from 30 June)

Iiris Määttä, Second Secretary, Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, iiris.maatta@gov.fi

Snehal Tripathi, Special Adviser on Communications, Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, snehal.tripathi@gov.fi

Media kit and logos

Check the media kit on WCEF2026’s media page for the WCEF2026 logos as well as more background information on the circular economy and the World Circular Economy Forum. You’ll also find recommended background materials as well as contact information of experts for your interviews.

For Editors

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is the world’s leading event on the circular economy. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, building networks and partnerships, and advancing the transition to a circular economy. WCEF is an annual event organised by Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, with international partners. The forum brings together leaders from business, government, academia and civil society to discuss global issues related to the circular economy and to find solutions to the challenges facing the world.

The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra is an active fund for the future addressing societal challenges that shape our world. Together with partners we develop solutions, enhance well-being and boost economic growth within earth’s carrying capacity. Founded in 1967, we are an independent public fund operating directly under the supervision of the Finnish Parliament. Sitra has received global recognition for accelerating the world’s transition to a circular economy and is the founder of the World Circular Economy Forum.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 passed by Parliament in September 1974. CPCB is entrusted with the powers and functions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and various Waste Management Rules notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

CPCB has been actively supporting India’s transition toward a circular economy by promoting resource efficiency, waste minimisation and sustainable industrial practices. As part of this, CPCB developed various guidelines, reports, and trainings to the stakeholders to strengthen and implement the circular economy frameworks. Further, CPCB is also involved in the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks under the circular economy through the development of centralized online portals and the issuance of guidelines and regulatory frameworks, covering various notified EPR sectors including plastics, e-waste, batteries, tyres, used oil, end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), construction and demolition waste and non-ferrous metals, with a focus on encouraging environmentally sound practices and supporting the transition towards a circular economy.