Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to Jointly Inaugurate Global Circular Economy Forum
Gandhinagar : Gandhinagar is set to host a landmark global event as the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 makes its debut in South Asia at Mahatma Mandir on September 15–16, 2026. The prestigious forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians and sustainability experts from across the world to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.
The two-day forum will be jointly inaugurated by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel.
Held under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity,” WCEF 2026 will provide an international platform for cross-sectoral collaboration, circular finance, technological innovation and practical solutions aimed at creating a more resource-efficient and sustainable economy. The main forum will be followed by Accelerator Sessions from September 17–18, 2026.
The inaugural session on September 15 will also be attended by Gujarat’s Forests and Environment, Climate Change Minister Shri Arjun Modhwadia, Ambassador of Finland to India H.E. Mikko Kivikoski, President of Sitra Atte Jääskeläinen, Director of Circular Economy at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Netherlands, Marieke Spijkerboer, along with senior officials from the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat.
At the heart of the circular economy approach is the principle of keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, refurbishment and recycling, thereby reducing waste and ensuring that existing resources continue to generate economic and social value.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has been advancing policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening environmental governance and accelerating the transition towards a modern circular economy. WCEF 2026 will provide an opportunity to showcase India’s progress while strengthening international partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The forum is jointly organised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra), Government of Finland, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB).
Global Participation and International Expo
WCEF 2026 is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from over 65 countries, representing a diverse cross-section of the global circular economy ecosystem. Participants will include business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, academicians and other prominent stakeholders. The September 15–16 programme will feature four plenary sessions and 16 thematic sessions, covering a wide range of emerging issues including artificial intelligence, employability, energy generation, circular finance, governance, sustainable products and the start-up ecosystem.
A major highlight of the event will be an international expo featuring more than 125 national and international exhibitors. The exhibition will showcase innovative and practical circular economy solutions, with start-ups and enterprises demonstrating technologies, products and business models designed to advance resource efficiency and circularity.
Accelerator Sessions to Extend Global Dialogue
The global conversation will continue beyond the main forum through 80 Accelerator Sessions scheduled for September 17–18. These sessions will be organised by global partners through online, hybrid and in-person formats in Gandhinagar and at locations across the world. The sessions are expected to further expand collaboration among governments, industry, innovators, financial institutions, researchers and other stakeholders working towards circular economy solutions.
Senior Dignitaries to Attend Closing Ceremony
Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh will attend the closing ceremony on September 16. The ceremony will also be attended by Finland’s Minister of Climate and Environment Sari Multala, Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Industries Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Minister for Forest and Environment Shri Arjun Modhwadia, Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Pravin Mali, and other dignitaries.
The programme will conclude with the formal handover of the World Circular Economy Forum to the next host, led by the President of Sitra. With its unprecedented international participation, sector-wide discussions and focus on innovation, finance and partnerships, WCEF 2026 is poised to place Gandhinagar and Gujarat at the centre of the global conversation on circular economy and sustainable development.