Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, jointly inaugurated the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The event marks the first time WCEF — one of the world’s leading circular economy platforms — has been hosted anywhere in South Asia.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 |
| Venue | Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat |
| Duration | September 15–18, 2026 (4 days) |
| Theme | ‘Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity’ |
| Inaugurated by | Shri Bhupender Yadav (Union Environment Minister) & Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel (Gujarat CM) |
| Significance | First-ever WCEF edition hosted in South Asia |
| Participants | 2,000+ cross-sectoral delegates from 65+ countries |
| Exhibitors | 125+ national and international exhibitors |
| Sessions (Sept 15–16) | 4 plenary sessions, 16 thematic breakout sessions |
| Accelerator sessions (Sept 17–18) | Around 80, held online and in-person globally |
| Organising partners | CPCB, MoEF&CC, Government of Gujarat, GPCB, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Government of Finland |
About the Forum
WCEF 2026 brings together policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians, and sustainability experts to accelerate the global shift toward circular economic models — systems built around reusing, refurbishing, and recycling materials rather than the traditional “take-make-dispose” approach.
The two-day core forum on September 15–16 is being followed by two additional days of Accelerator Sessions on September 17–18, extending the dialogue into hands-on, action-oriented formats held both in Gandhinagar and at partner locations around the world.
Running alongside the main forum, an international expo is showcasing practical circular-economy solutions from start-ups and investment-ready innovators, offering delegates, students, and industry observers a look at how sustainability principles are being converted into viable business models.
Key Sessions and Focus Areas
Over the two main days, the forum is structured around:
- 4 plenary sessions addressing overarching themes in the global circular economy transition
- 16 thematic breakout discussions covering topics such as artificial intelligence applications, green jobs, energy production, circular finance, governance, sustainable products, and youth leadership
- A dedicated in-person meeting of the Board of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10 YFP), a global body that India recently began co-chairing, held on the sidelines on September 15
Who Organised It
WCEF 2026 is being jointly organised by:
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India
- Government of Gujarat
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB)
- Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra
- Government of Finland
The partnership with Finland reflects the forum’s original roots — WCEF was founded in Finland and has since become a globally recognised platform for circular economy dialogue.
Dignitaries Present at the Inauguration
The inaugural session was attended by several senior figures, including:
- Shri Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Gujarat
- Shri Pravinbhai Mali, Minister of State for Forests and Environment, Climate Change, Gujarat
- H.E. Mr. Mikko Kivikoski, Ambassador of Finland to India
- A senior representative from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, Government of the Netherlands
What the Leaders Said
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel reflected on the state’s ongoing journey toward environmental conservation while balancing development priorities. He pointed to traditional circular practices already rooted in Indian culture, citing the example of temple offerings at the Somnath Temple being recycled into reusable resources that also generate livelihoods for local communities. He noted that the culture of reuse, and the idea of converting waste into wealth, has long been part of Indian tradition, and called on WCEF to reflect the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) by developing practical circular solutions with global relevance.
In his keynote address, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav described the circular economy, for India, as not a new destination but a new way of looking at old wisdom — framing the country’s approach as an extension of long-standing sustainable practices rather than an imported concept.
Why This Matters for India and the Region
- South Asia’s first WCEF: Hosting the forum positions India as a serious voice in the global circular economy conversation and signals its growing environmental governance ambitions under the broader policy direction led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Global South engagement: The forum is designed to deepen engagement with the Global South, an area where India is increasingly positioning itself as a bridge between developed and developing economies on sustainability issues.
- Investment and finance dialogue: Discussions aim to unlock circular finance and private investment, alongside policy dialogue on scaling circular practices.
- International visibility: With over 2,000 participants from more than 65 countries and 125+ exhibitors, the event is one of the largest gatherings globally focused specifically on circular economy practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a global platform bringing together policymakers, businesses, and experts to accelerate the transition to circular economic models, held this year in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15–18, 2026.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel jointly inaugurated the forum.
It is the first time WCEF has been hosted anywhere in South Asia, marking a major milestone for India’s role in global sustainability dialogue.
The forum’s theme is ‘Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity’.
More than 2,000 cross-sectoral participants from over 65 countries are expected to attend, alongside 125+ national and international exhibitors.
The event is jointly organised by CPCB, MoEF&CC, the Government of Gujarat, GPCB, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, and the Government of Finland.
From September 17–18, around 80 Accelerator Sessions will be held online and in person across Gandhinagar and other global locations, extending the forum’s dialogue into actionable formats.
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