P2 Governance framework for the circular economy​

P2 Governance framework for the circular economy​

15 Sep 2026 at 16:30–17:30 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Plenary
Focus: Business, Design, Governance, System change, 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 Peace, justice and strong institutions Responsible consumption and production

This session explores the governance frameworks, policy instruments and regulatory approaches that enable the transition to a circular economy. Effective governance is essential for creating the conditions that drive circular business models, sustainable product design, secondary material markets and investment, while ensuring implementation across national, state and local levels. The session will showcase how policy frameworks such as circular economy road maps, extended producer responsibility, ecodesign regulations, fiscal incentives and digital compliance mechanisms can accelerate the transition from ambition to action.

Organiser(s): Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund

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PS10 Circular economy value chains in the textile sector​

PS10 Circular economy value chains in the textile sector​

16 Sep 2026 at 11:30–12:30 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: Business
Focus: Design, Finance, Industry, System change, 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

This session will explore how circular economy approaches can transform textile value chains through innovative policies, business models, financing mechanisms and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Drawing on global and Indian experiences, the discussion will highlight practical strategies for reducing environmental impacts while creating economic opportunities, green jobs and resilient circular textile systems. Participants will gain insights into scaling circularity through collaboration among governments, industry, financial institutions and international organisations.

Organiser(s): United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

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PS11 Ecodesign for sustainable products and a circular economy​

PS11 Ecodesign for sustainable products and a circular economy​

16 Sep 2026 at 11:30–12:30 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: Governance
Focus: Business, Design, Governance, System change, Asia, Europe, North America
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Affordable and clean energy Industry, innovation and infrastructure Partnerships for the goals Responsible consumption and production

This session explores how policy frameworks and regulatory approaches can support the development of circular and sustainable products while creating a more level playing field for businesses across global value chains. As countries and regions seek to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, ecodesign policies are emerging as powerful tools for shaping markets, driving innovation, and improving product sustainability. Bringing together perspectives from India, the European Union and other leading regions, the discussion will examine how ecodesign requirements are influencing product design, resource efficiency, durability, repairability and recyclability.

Organiser(s): Chatham House, Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

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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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PS7 Closing the loop: advancing circularity in plastic waste management​

PS7 Closing the loop: advancing circularity in plastic waste management​

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

This session focuses on practical solutions for advancing circularity in plastic packaging across the value chain, from product design to traceability, advanced sorting and high-quality recycling. It presents technologies, policies and collaborative approaches that enable greater resource efficiency and increased use of recycled plastics. 

Organiser(s): Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

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