Archive · 15 Sep 2026
World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Begins in Gandhinagar
The World Circular Economy Forum is starting in Gandhinagar, India.
People from more than 65 countries will attend.
They will discuss ways to reuse, repair and recycle products and materials.
This helps keep useful things in the economy instead of throwing them away.
Government officials, businesses, researchers and young people will take part.
The meeting will also explore technology, artificial intelligence, jobs and financing.
More than 125 exhibitors will show ideas and products related to circular economies.
India is hosting the forum for the first time in South Asia.
Additional online and in-person sessions will take place on September 17 and 18.
WCEF 2026 begins in Gandhinagar under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.”
The forum is jointly inaugurated by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
More than 2,000 participants from over 65 countries are expected to attend.
Discussions will cover circular finance, policy, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainable products and employment.
An exhibition with more than 125 exhibitors will present circular solutions and investment-ready innovations.
- Who
- More than 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from over 65 countries, alongside Indian and international officials.
- What
- The World Circular Economy Forum 2026, focused on promoting circularity and international cooperation.
- When
- The forum begins Tuesday; its main sessions are scheduled for September 15 and 16, with additional sessions on September 17 and 18.
- Where
- Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, with some additional sessions online and in other locations worldwide.
- Why
- To encourage reuse, refurbishment and recycling; mobilize finance and investment; strengthen policy cooperation; and advance innovation and technology for circularity.
- Theme
- Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity
- Expected participation
- More than 2,000 stakeholders from 65-plus countries
- South Asian milestone
- India is hosting the WCEF for the first time in South Asia
- Main programme
- Four plenaries and 16 parallel thematic sessions on September 15 and 16
- Exhibition
- More than 125 national and international exhibitors
- Additional sessions
- Eighty accelerator sessions will be held online, in hybrid formats and in person on September 17 and 18
- Related meeting
- The 10 Year Framework of Programmes Board will meet in Gandhinagar on September 15