P3 From material dependency to material security: Circular strategies for critical raw materials​

P3 From material dependency to material security: Circular strategies for critical raw materials​

16 Sep 2026 at 10:00–11:00 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Plenary
Focus: Critical minerals, Governance, Industry, Resilience, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia / Australasia / Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Affordable and clean energy Industry, innovation and infrastructure Life on land Responsible consumption and production

This session explores how circular economy approaches can strengthen material security by reducing dependency on virgin resources and unlocking new sources of critical raw materials. Critical raw materials are essential for clean energy technologies, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and many other sectors that underpin the global transition to a sustainable economy. As demand continues to grow for these materials, ensuring secure, resilient and sustainable access has become a strategic priority for governments, businesses and investors worldwide.

Organiser(s): Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund

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PS14 Circular solutions and business models in ICT and electronics industries​

PS14 Circular solutions and business models in ICT and electronics industries​

16 Sep 2026 at 14:30–15:30 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: Business
Focus: Critical minerals, Data and AI, Materials, Waste, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia / Australasia / Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation and infrastructure Partnerships for the goals Responsible consumption and production

This session examines strategies for extending the working life of ICT and electronics equipment through reuse and refurbishment business models. It explores how recovering critical minerals from e-waste can build resilient secondary markets and reduce dependence on virgin extraction. Global technology firms, Indian innovators and industry associations will discuss practical solutions and partnerships needed to scale circular ICT value chains.

Organiser(s): Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET), Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India

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PS6 Circularity in energy production​

PS6 Circularity in energy production​

15 Sep 2026 at 15:00–16:00 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: Business
Focus: Critical minerals, Design, Energy, Materials, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia / Australasia / Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Climate action Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation and infrastructure Partnerships for the goals Responsible consumption and production

A growing demand for energy is leading to increased raw material extraction for use in creating the infrastructure and accompanying systems. Globally, investments in energy systems are growing, with countries seeking to meet climate commitments through increased capacity coming from renewable sources. To avoid unintended consequences and preserve the long-term value of natural resource inputs, the deployment of new energy systems must be led by design considerations that ensure durability, adaptability and reduced waste generation through the lifecycle and after use.

Organiser(s): Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

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PS2 Circular value chains for metals and industrial materials​

PS2 Circular value chains for metals and industrial materials​

15 Sep 2026 at 12:00–13:00 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: Business
Focus: Critical minerals, Industry, Materials, Resilience, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia / Australasia / Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Industry, innovation and infrastructure Partnerships for the goals Responsible consumption and production

As demand for metals grows, circular value chains are becoming essential to strengthen resource security, supply chain resilience and industrial competitiveness. This session will explore the systemic barriers hindering circularity from scaling across metal value chains and how existing collaborative initiatives can help mobilise stakeholders, align priorities and accelerate implementation. Drawing on perspectives from industry, policy and finance, participants will gain practical insights into how pre-competitive collaboration can accelerate circular value chains at scale and support a more resilient and resource-efficient economy.

Organiser(s): World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI)

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