New Delhi: India is willing to host the 2026 edition of the World Circular Economy Forum and is seeking stronger collaboration with Asia-Pacific countries on the circular economy, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has said.
Addressing the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific in Jaipur on Tuesday, he also said the circular economy could drive one of the biggest business transformations since the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago.
“Every year, the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is organised and, in this year, 2025, it is being organised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. India has expressed a willingness to host the World Circular Economy Forum – 2026. Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, this forum should drive real change,” the minister said.
Held since 2017, the WCEF is a global initiative by Finland and Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund. The forum brings together business leaders, policymakers and experts from around the world to discuss key circular economy solutions.
Yadav said India, with its strong recycling industry, was ready to collaborate with Asia-Pacific countries on the circular economy.
India currently has more than 3,500 recycling units capable of processing around 45 million metric tonnes of waste per year, he said.
The minister also said circular economies were crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and climate neutrality, balancing low-carbon growth with equitable development.
