PS16 Start-up ecosystems for the circular economy​

PS16 Start-up ecosystems for the circular economy​

16 Sep 2026 at 14:30–15:30 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: Growth
Focus: Business, Finance, Industry, Resilience, Africa, Asia
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals
Industry, innovation and infrastructure Responsible consumption and production

This session will explore how innovative financing mechanisms and risk-mitigation approaches can accelerate the growth of circular economy start-ups in emerging markets. The conversation will then spotlight practical examples of value chain partnerships that have enabled circular businesses to scale. Participants will leave with an understanding of what makes circular ventures investable, how next-gen blended finance and guarantees can crowd in private capital, and what role large corporates can play in creating demand and market certainty.  

Organiser(s): World Economic Forum

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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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PS8 Financing circular growth: Mobilising private capital​

PS8 Financing circular growth: Mobilising private capital​

15 Sep 2026 at 15:00–16:00 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: Growth
Focus: Business, Finance, 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

Circularity is increasingly recognised not only as an environmental priority but as an economic necessity. While policy frameworks and taxonomies have laid the groundwork, the next challenge is to turn these foundations into scalable financial flows and practical implementation. This session demonstrates how unlocking circular economy finance will require complementary funding instruments and coordinated action by public and private actors across the value chain, leaving the participants with a clearer understanding of the drivers and tools for this.

Organiser(s): UNEP Finance Initiative, Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

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PS3 Circularity in urban governance: Transforming resource systems​

PS3 Circularity in urban governance: Transforming resource systems​

15 Sep 2026 at 12:00–13:00 (UTC+5:30)
Session type: Parallel
Track: Governance
Focus: Built environment, Finance, Governance, System change, 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 Responsible consumption and production Sustainable cities and communities

This session explores how cities worldwide are institutionalising circularity through municipal governance capacity, integrated planning and cross-sector collaboration, drawing on India’s experience alongside global practices to offer transferable models for resource-efficient, climate-resilient urban systems.

Organiser(s): National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

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