The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 has begun in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event is being held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This is the first time the World Circular Economy Forum is being held in South Asia. The forum is being organised from September 15 to 18, with the main programme taking place on September 15 and 16. Additional accelerator sessions will be held on September 17 and 18.
The forum was inaugurated by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel on Tuesday.
The main theme of the forum is “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.”
A circular economy means using materials and products for as long as possible instead of simply throwing them away. It focuses on reducing waste, repairing and reusing products, recycling materials and bringing useful resources back into the economy.
The forum has brought together government officials, business leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and environmental experts from different countries. More than 2,000 stakeholders from over 65 countries were expected to participate, with more than 125 exhibitors showcasing circular economy solutions.
The discussions are focusing on areas such as waste reduction, recycling, sustainable business, green energy, technology, artificial intelligence, finance and better use of natural resources.
Speaking at the opening, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said India needs to look beyond recycling. He stressed that products should be designed to last longer and that people should change how they consume and use resources.
The forum also gives India an opportunity to present its work on waste management, recycling and resource efficiency to an international audience.
The event is jointly organised by the Central Pollution Control Board, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the Government of Gujarat, along with other partners.
The World Circular Economy Forum aims to encourage countries and businesses to find practical ways to reduce waste, save resources and support economic growth while protecting the environment.
